United flight to French Polynesia hit by turbulence, crew member hurt

A United Airlines flight bound for French Polynesia was rocked by severe turbulence over the Pacific Ocean, leaving a flight attendant seriously injured.

Flight 115, which departed from San Francisco International Airport en route to Papeete Sunday, encountered a weather front.

The airline confirmed that one crew member was hurt in the incident, while no passengers sustained injuries.

The aircraft landed safely, where emergency medical personnel were waiting to assist.

According to records released by the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-9, identified as tail number N23994. A total of 165 people were on board.

The NTSB has classified the episode as a turbulence-related event and said an investigation is currently underway.

Incidents involving turbulence rarely result in serious harm, aviation authorities say.

Data from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates that flight attendants face a higher risk of injury in such situations, as they are more likely to be standing or moving through the cabin when turbulence strikes.

United told the Post in a statement: “One flight attendant sustained an injury when United flight 115 encountered moderate turbulence enroute to Papeete.

“No customers were injured, the flight landed safely and paramedics met the aircraft upon arrival.”

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