NTSB Report Reveals Dramatic Plunge of United Airlines Flight Due to Miscommunication Between Pilots

A United Airlines flight experienced a dramatic plunge shortly after takeoff from Hawaii in December due to miscommunication between the pilots, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The NTSB released a final report on Thursday that detailed the incident. The Boeing 777 had taken off from Kahului Airport on the island of Maui and climbed to 2,100 feet. During the takeoff, the captain noted some airspeed fluctuations and turbulence and asked the co-pilot to reset the wing flaps to five. However, the co-pilot heard “15” instead.

The plane quickly plummeted down to about 748 feet above the ocean, a drop of more than 1,000 feet. The NTSB said the crew failed to manage the plane’s path, airspeed and nose direction after the mix-up between the captain and co-pilot.

Fortunately, the pilots were able to regain control of the plane and it landed safely at the Honolulu International Airport. The NTSB said the incident was caused by the miscommunication between the pilots and the crew’s failure to manage the plane’s path, airspeed, and nose direction.

The NTSB recommended that United Airlines review its procedures and training to ensure that pilots are able to effectively communicate and manage the plane’s path, airspeed, and nose direction. The NTSB also recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration review its guidance for pilots on how to respond to unexpected changes in airspeed and altitude.