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Woman paralyzed after bad turbulence on Continental Airlines flight
Turbulence just claimed another victim - this time the victim was in the bathroom on Continental flight 511 when the plane hit some turbulence and a sudden descent. The sudden drop threw the woman against the ceiling of the bathroom, fracturing her neck.
Doctors spent 6 hours operating on her, but her injury left her paralyzed from the neck down.
The incident also injured one other passenger and a crew member, but they were released from hospital.
According to a Continental Airlines spokesperson, the seatbelt sign was illuminated when the plane hit the turbulence.
The NTSB is awaiting more information before they start an official investigation into the incident.
All I can say is let this be yet another reminder to pay attention to that seatbelt sign and that I'll keep my fingers crossed that the lady is able to recover from this tragic accident, but doctors say only time will tell whether her situation can improve.
(Thanks Nick!)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
hadrivn Apr 21st 2009 6:50PM
I cannot tell you how many times pilots do not ever bother to turn off that sign, serously it is a bit of a joke at this point. I think they do it so they can claim it was on if there is a problem like this.
Jeremy Apr 21st 2009 11:04PM
Tell that to that stubborn lady that didn't pay attention to the sign. Maybe paralyzed for life. But just her a good reason to sue the company and retired comfortable with her millions.
People don't take responsibilities in to their own hands. Complaining about the seatbelt light is on during the flight but once being hurt during turbulence, are the first in line at the lawyer office to try to get compensation.
masanddjs Apr 22nd 2009 8:51AM
I have to agree. I have been on flights where the sign never goes off even though the air is clear. Sometimes, people DO need to use the restroom and people get up all the time when the light is on. Usually, they say please leave the belt on when seated, but sometimes you can't help mother nature and have to get up. You just gotta go!
She has no right to sue, though, since the sign WAS on. Plus, the flight from Houston to McCallen can't be very long. She should have tried to hold it!
Trajan Apr 22nd 2009 2:55PM
Pilots are dependent on planes ahead of them on the same route to give them warning of turbulence. Often routes 1000 feet higher or lower will make a big difference in the experience of two planes on the same path. Thus, the fasten seat belt sign may be illuminated without big bumps. However, when it is on, the captain knows that clouds, winds, National Weather Service turbulence warnings, and/or pilot reports indicate a probability of rough air ahead. Given the storms which delayed the McAllen flight, the illuminated seat belt sign, a verbal warning from the captain for all to remain seated shortly before the incident (according to another passenger on the flight - see USA Today comments), this poor lady took a terrible risk and lost. I often see people taking the similar chances on flights and remaining unharmed. I've done the same on a trans-Atlantic flight during which the sign never went off. However, I try to be aware of the plane's environment and time my excursions for cloudless sections. Thunderstorm turbulence is nothing to scoff at.
About 43 people were injured recently on a flight to Tokyo when the plane hit turbulence on the descent. Many were in their seats, but were crushed under the flying bodies of those standing. Who gets the lawsuit reward in that case? Severe
turbulence is rare, but it hits some plane over the US almost every day with injuries every week or so. Don't take the chance!
Simon Apr 22nd 2009 7:49AM
We don't know from the story whether the sign was illuminated before she went to the bathroom. If it was, then she surely bears some responsibility (as do cabin crew for not preventing her?). If not, let's not trot out the cliches about paying attention to signs, if to all intents and purposes she was free to move about the cabin.
Simon Apr 22nd 2009 7:51AM
er, yes we do. A classic case here of rtfp (read the ******* post) before firing off a comment! Mea culpa, sorry everyone.....
Jeremy Apr 23rd 2009 6:04AM
It might be that USA domestic airlines leaves the seatbelt on because of the liability. With the current climate of Americans that like to sue for anything. I understand the view of a company to prevent these. Consumer tend to sue for a scratch , as long as they get their money.
There are already people of that Hudson flight that is going to sue the airline because the were safe and not killed in a crash landing. So let me say, i understand that Americans have create such a climate that companies are afraid of stupid lawsuites.
Vicki Apr 23rd 2009 2:01AM
I am a flight attendant. When the seat belt is illuminated it means that the pilots do not feel it is safe to get up and move around the cabin. Going to the lav during assent and desent is very dangerous. These are times when turbulance is most likely to occur. The pilots get reports from planes ahead of them telling them if they are experiencing problems with turbulance. I can not tell you how many times we have been almost on the ground or have just taken off and looked up to see people standing and waiting to get into the lavatory. We lock the lavs during take off and landing to prevent people from doing this. Not because we are trying to be mean to people but because we are actually concerned for their safety. We cannot force you to sit down and not use the lavatory but we do inform you if we think your safety is in question. If this woman chose to ignore the warnings from her flight crew then she is at fault. I feel sorry for her but we all make choices in life and this was not her best choice.
Barrett Jun 24th 2009 7:10PM
I know, that you should look for the sign, but it's a total joke, Pilots dont care, and No Offense, I live in the U.S., But U.S. Airways Sucks!!!They Hit turbulence that about mace me throw up my Breakfast, waaaaay to turbulent, we hit a downwind, that rocketed the plane into a steep 4000ft or so descent.