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Southwest Airlines flight WN4273 was struck by severe turbulence as it flew between Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) on April 3rd. A flight attendant working the flight suffered a fractured hip and elbow as a result.
The aircraft was carrying 133 passengers and seven crew. Thankfully, only the flight attendant and one passenger sustained injuries. The passenger and flight attendant were taken to a local hospital The incident was serious enough to cause the flight to divert to nearby Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is 81 miles from Orlando. Passengers were delayed around five hours while another aircraft was located to take them to their original destination.
Southwest released a statement that reads:
The Captain declared an emergency, a requirement to deviate from a filed flight plan, and also requested that paramedics be available when the aircraft arrived to assess any potential injury.”
The Aviation Herald has also shared a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Southwest Airlines Flight 4273 landed safely at Tampa International Airport around 9 AM local time Wednesday, April 3, after the crew reported severe turbulence. The flight departed from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and was headed to Orlando International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
Anthony’s Take: Always stay buckled in when seated. Turbulence can strike at any time and cause injuries just as quickly. Hopefully, the flight attendant and passenger recover quickly.
(Featured Image Credit: Stephanie Klepacki.)
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