On March 11, 2024, a LATAM Airlines flight traveling from Sydney to Auckland experienced a technical issue that resulted in injuries to passengers and crew. The incident involved a sudden drop similar to turbulence during the flight, causing approximately 50 people to sustain injuries.
LATAM Airlines flight LA800 had departed Sydney and was approximately 2 hours into the 3-hour trans-Tasman flight when the incident occurred.
The aircraft was to transit through Auckland and then on to Santiago, Chile.
LATAM LA800 Sydney-Auckland
According to The Guardian, a passenger described the sensation of the aircraft suddenly “dropping out of the sky.” Passengers were thrown out of their seats during the in-flight incident, hitting the ceiling in some cases.
50 Treated in Auckland
The flight landed safely in Auckland, where medical assistance was readily available. Fourteen St John’s units were deployed to Auckland Airport after being notified of the incident.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that their emergency services team was also assisting St John’s personnel.
Crews treated 50 patients, and several passengers were subsequently taken to local hospitals for treatment.
Reports suggest a range of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to more serious conditions. While details remain unclear, one person is reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
LATAM Airlines has not yet disclosed the specific nature of the technical problem. In a statement made to the New Zealand Herald, an airline spokesperson said:
“The plane landed at Auckland Airport as scheduled. As a result of the incident, some passengers and cabin crew were affected. They received immediate assistance and were evaluated or treated by medical staff at the airport as needed.”
The spokesperson expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and emphasized their commitment to passenger safety as their top priority.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that LATAM flight LA800 departed Sydney on time at 11:44 local time on 11 March.
The flight negotiated the trans-Tasman route normally, climbing to FL410 (41,000 feet) before the incident.
The aircraft operating today’s service to Auckland was a Boeing 787-9, registered CC-BGG. The widebody aircraft is an 8-year old airframe belonging to the carrier LATAM Airlines.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly Emergencies and Incidents newsletter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
