Extreme turbulence Thursday over Greenland forced a Norwegian Airlines flight from Stockholm to Miami to turn around and return to Europe.
Dramatic video from Norwegian Airlines Flight 957 shows the severe turbulence that left some of the 254 passengers screaming and the cabin littered with debris.
No serious injuries were reported during the flight.
The pilots opted to turn around and return about five hours to Copenhagen, where the plane was inspected for damage.
In a statement provided to CBS News, the airline said it had “the best facilities and staff for this level of inspection” at Copenhagen Airport, and therefore “decided to redirect the ‘aircraft here, where both a hangar and qualified technicians were available.’ “
He added that flying the plane to Miami “would have resulted in it being grounded for an extended period of time, resulting in multiple cancellations.”
Former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt questioned why pilots didn’t choose a closer airport.
“If the structural integrity of the plane was in question, 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 route?”
Researchers think climate change could be a factor strong turbulence become more common. A 2023 study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters found a 55% increase in turbulence over the North Atlantic since 1979.
“In general, at this time of year, the turbulence can be stronger,” said Laura Einsetler, captain of an airline that flies over this region. “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 are technologies that can really prevent people from getting hurt,” Sumwalt said. “And this technology is called a seat belt.”
Kris Van Cleave
