Terrified passengers were reportedly thrown around when the Birmingham to Tenerife flight hit severe turbulence over France at 35,000ft, forcing an emergency return with paramedics meeting the plane
A woman aboard a Ryanair flight that was forced to return to Birmingham has alleged passengers were ‘hurled from their seats’ during a terrifying incident which saw the aircraft lurch violently without warning.
The 33 year old from Lichfield, who requested anonymity, described the experience as ‘like something from a horror movie’, reports Birmingham Live..
The flight took off from Birmingham Airport at roughly 2.50pm on Sunday, December 28 and transmitted an emergency signal (squawk 7700) over Brittany, France, after climbing to an altitude of 35,000ft.
Passengers informed The Aviation Herald the turbulence struck whilst cabin service was underway, resulting in injuries to several people. The flight reversed course and dropped to FL100 (flying at 10,000ft). After returning to Birmingham, it then set course for Tenerife once again, according to Ryanair.
The terrified passenger said: “I was on this flight. It felt like something you see on a horror movie. We were smooth cruising then, out of nowhere all of a sudden, the plane jerked to the left extremely quickly and then to the right.
“It felt like a loss of control, and then we plummeted down and we were flung out of our seats. I came out physically unharmed but the mental toll this has taken it awful.
“Other passengers said to me they saw a fighter jet pass us by just before it happened. How do you not pick up on a planes radar other planes in the area? It doesn’t make sense.
“Who knows – I would like real answers though this has really traumatised me. The cabin crew said within their 10 years as cabin crew they’ve never experienced anything like it.”
The aircraft made a safe landing at Birmingham roughly one hour and 32 minutes after take-off.
According to AirLive, it was positioned at a remote stand at the airport so paramedics could assist passengers.
Ryanair informed the Mirror on Sunday evening: “FR1121 from Birmingham to Tenerife on 28th December returned to Birmingham Airport shortly after take-off due to air turbulence.
“The aircraft landed normally before passengers disembarked and returned to the terminal, where a small number of passengers were provided with medical assistance. This flight continued to Tenerife at 21:06 local.”
The Mirror has contacted Ryanair for additional comment.
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