Boeing 787-9 N29975

Summary

On 3 December 2024 at about 22:30 local time, a Boeing 787-9 registered N29975, operated by United Airlines Inc, was involved in an accident near Pacific Ocean, Hong Kong. 236 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

3 December 2024 at 22:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Pacific Ocean, Hong Kong

Coordinates

22.2203, 114.7340

Aircraft

Boeing 787-9

Registration

N29975

Category

Airplane

Year built

2020

Engines

2

Operator

United Airlines Inc

Operating rule

Part 121: Air Carrier

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Los Angeles → Hong Kong

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DCA25LA055

1 person was seriously injured.

An encounter with unexpected turbulence during descent.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

United Airlines flight 152 encountered moderate turbulence while descending through 10,000 feet to Hong Kong International Airport. As a result, a flight attendant (FA) sustained a serious injury. During the descent, the seatbelt sign was illuminated, and the flight crew had instructed the flight attendants to prepare for landing. The aircraft passed through a thin cloud layer at approximately 10,000 feet, followed by another cloud directly ahead. No radar returns were observed on the aircraft’s weather radar display and onboard weather applications showed no indications of an adverse ride. While passing through the top of the second cloud, the aircraft experienced about two seconds of moderate turbulence. The flight continued without further incident and landed uneventfully. After taxiing to the gate, the crew was informed that the number 4 FA was injured. At the time of the turbulence encounter, the number 4 FA was in the aft galley and was thrown to the floor, impacting her head, wrist, and buttocks. MedAire was consulted, and the FA was advised to seek medical evaluation upon arrival at the hotel. She was later transported to a local hospital, where she was diagnosed with a serious injury. At the time of the turbulence encounter, there were no active forecasts indicating turbulence in the area.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.