An American Airlines flight en route to London was forced to divert to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City after experiencing severe turbulence that resulted in injuries to two crew members. The incident unfolded less than an hour after the aircraft took off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Wednesday evening.
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Flight 174 departed shortly after 9 p.m. local time, destined for London’s Heathrow Airport. However, its journey encountered difficulties when turbulence struck approximately 40 minutes into the flight, prompting the pilots to alert air traffic control about the situation on board.
In communications captured on air traffic control recordings, the pilot reported multiple injuries among the crew, saying, “We have two flight attendants injured due to turbulence.” This prompted an immediate assessment of the aircraft’s condition and necessitated an overweight landing.
The Boeing 777-200, which was carrying 239 passengers and crew, was required to make this landing due to the additional stress on both the aircraft’s landing gear and structural integrity caused by the turbulence. In instances such as this, aircraft sometimes burn off fuel or circle the airport to reduce weight before making an emergency landing, ensuring safety and minimising potential damage to the plane.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight landed safely at approximately 11 p.m. local time. The FAA confirmed they would conduct an investigation into the turbulence incident, although details regarding the condition of the injured flight attendants were not immediately available.
In light of the incident, American Airlines has faced scrutiny, with inquiries directed towards the airline regarding their safety protocols concerning turbulence. The airline has not yet provided specific comments about the event but is expected to be cooperating with the FAA investigation.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, responsible for operations at JFK, referred questions regarding the incident back to American Airlines. Meanwhile, the injured flight attendants’ welfare remains a concern, as information surrounding their injuries has yet to be fully disclosed.
Turbulence is a known hazard in aviation, but its severity can vary significantly. A study published in November 2025 highlighted 136 turbulence-related incidents that had been reported to the National Transportation Safety Board over a span of 15 years, leading to 143 serious injuries and 218 minor injuries.
The research indicated that flight attendants constituted the majority of those injured, involved in approximately 93% of turbulence-related accidents. This finding underscores the importance of safety measures and preparedness for airline staff during unpredictable in-flight conditions.
As a result of these incidents, both airlines and regulatory agencies continue to explore strategies to mitigate risks associated with turbulence, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew alike. The American Airlines incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced during air travel and the need for heightened awareness regarding in-flight safety protocols.
Passengers on Flight 174 were likely shaken by the unexpected event, and the swift response by the crew and air traffic control likely averted further complications. As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding the cause of the turbulence and improving safety measures within the airline industry.