Extreme turbulence Thursday over Greenland forced a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Stockholm to Miami to turn around and return to Europe.
Dramatic video from Scandinavian Airlines Flight 957 showed severe turbulence that left some of the 254 passengers screaming and left the cabin littered with debris.
There were no reports of serious injuries during the flight.
The pilots opted to make a U-turn and fly about five hours back to Copenhagen, where the aircraft was inspected for damage.
In a statement to CBS News, the airline said it has “the best facilities and personnel for this level of inspection” at Copenhagen Airport, and “therefore decided to divert the aircraft here, where both hangar space and qualified technicians were available.” “
It added that flying the plane to Miami “would have resulted in it being grounded for an extended period of time, leading to multiple cancellations.”
Robert Sumwalt, former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, wondered why the pilots didn’t choose a closer airport.
“If the structural integrity of the aircraft was at stake, they should have landed at the nearest appropriate airport,” Sumwalt said. “The question will be: did they return to Copenhagen out of convenience, or did they do so because they thought it was the safest way?”
Researchers believe climate change may be a factor severe turbulence become more common. A 2023 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found a 55% increase in turbulence over the North Atlantic Ocean since 1979.
“During this time of year there can generally be some stronger turbulence,” said Laura Einsetler, an airline captain who flies through that area. “We always try to avoid these types of areas.”
The Federal Aviation Administration says injuries from turbulence are rare. Sumwalt says wearing a seat belt is essential.
“There is a technology out there that can actually prevent people from getting hurt,” Sumwalt said. “And that technology is called a seat belt.”
Kris Van Cleave
