Passenger Recalls Severe Turbulence On Plane
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Passengers on an American Airlines jet were forced to land in Japan after severe turbulence struck the plane shortly after it took off from Seoul, South Korea.
The airplane was heading toward DFW International Airport, and Dallas attorney Marc Stanley called it his worst flight ever. Stanley took a new plane to get back home, but was able to give a first-hand account of the experience. "I've never seen anything like this in my life," he said. "I fly all the time, usually you can adjust."
Stanley recorded video of the turbulence on the plane, and it shows serving carts falling down, belongings being tossed around and dishes shattering. "There was this big drop," Stanley stated, "and food and plates and service materials, my iPhone and everything just started flying all over the place."
Some passengers could be heard praying, or leaving phone messages for loved ones back home. "I started counting my blessings," said Nilesh Parikh. "Honestly, it was that bad. I talked to a few other passengers and they were shaken up. It was bad."
In the video, a crew member is heard telling passengers, "Please remain seated. In the aisles there's lots of broken glass, so please remain seated. We appreciate your cooperation."
Once the plane landed at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, a total of 14 people needed medical attention, including five individuals -- four passengers and a flight crew member -- who had to be taken to the hospital. None of the injuries were life threatening.
"The flight attendants, I knew one flew up and hit the exit sign on top of the plane and broke it," Stanley said. "Another one was passed out. There was lots of calls for doctors and nurses. It was surreal."
The plane was carrying 240 passengers and 15 crew members. The jet was only in the air for around 90 minutes before the emergency landing. The flight crew was serving dinner when the turbulence began.
Chris Fincke said that his 11-year-old son was one of the passengers who needed immediate medical attention. "All the plates and everything flew up, and a plate broke across his head," Fincke explained. "Had a nice bump and gash. Pretty scary."
"The pilot has been flying for more than 30 years. The co-pilot, the flight attendant for 35 years. Everybody said they've never, ever, ever seen anything like this," Stanley added.
Another passenger said that he was told about damage to the jet's wing following the turbulence. American Airlines has not yet commented on this information.
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