MEMPHIS, Tenn — A United Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing at Memphis International Airport after it was hit with turbulence, injuring at least six people, according to the Memphis Fire Department (MFD).
The Memphis Fire Department said United Flight 1196, a Boeing 737 flying from Cancun, Mexico, to Chicago, hit turbulence over New Orleans, forcing them to divert to Memphis.
On the Flight Aware app, it shows how the situation developed on Wednesday afternoon. On the app it shows the route the United 737 was taking in its journey from Cancun to Chicago. The turbulence was so severe the pilot steered the plane in a complete circle in order for it to land safely in Memphis.
United said 179 people where onboard, including passengers and crew. MFD confirmed at least six people were injured with minor injuries, with one additional person taken to the hospital in non-critical condition.
An ABC24 camera crew was able to film the United Airlines plane before it departed back to Chicago around 5pm CST.
United Airlines verified that the aircraft met "a brief period of severe turbulence" but that the seatbelt sign was on. Paramedics met the plane at the gate and took the passenger to the hospital.
"We’re grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers and we expect the flight to depart for Chicago soon," United said in a statement.
The FAA confirmed they will conduct an investigation issuing the following statement:
United Airlines Flight 1196 landed safely at Memphis International Airport around 2:50 p.m. local time on Wednesday, August 28, after the crew reported severe turbulence over Louisiana. The Boeing 737-900 departed from Cancun International Airport and was originally headed to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The FAA will investigate.