A routine flight from Brisbane to Hong Kong turned into a terrifying ordeal when the aircraft experienced two sudden plunges without warning, leaving 10 people injured, including two Australians.
The frightening incident unfolded during breakfast service on Cathay Pacific flight CX156 when the plane encountered severe turbulence, sending food, phones, and shoes flying through the cabin.
Passenger Recalls Terrifying Moments
Passenger Nick Stevenson, a Cairns local, described the eight-and-a-half-hour journey as smooth until the sudden drop occurred. “Up until then, it was a pretty perfect flight,” he said. “Essentially, they just turned on the lights and started the breakfast service. And then out of nowhere, the plane just suddenly dropped.”
“Anyone that didn’t have their belt on just got pretty well launched into the roof,” Stevenson added. He noted that the cabin crew serving breakfast were the most affected, with service carts and their contents scattered throughout the cabin.
Second Drop Sparks Fear
The plane dropped a second time in quick succession, leaving passengers fearing for their lives. Stevenson admitted there “was a point there” he thought the Airbus A350-900 could be going down. “A big plane like that’s just not supposed to drop out the sky like the way it did,” he said.
Photos and videos shared online after the incident showed food containers, drinks, shoes, napkins, and other loose items strewn across the cabin floor. Emergency crews and ambulances were on standby as the aircraft landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport around 6:45 a.m. local time.
Injuries and Response
Six cabin crew members and four passengers were injured in the incident. Eight people were transported to hospital, though their injuries are not believed to be serious. Four doctors who were on board provided immediate assistance to the injured.
Cathay Pacific confirmed that medical personnel boarded the aircraft to assess the conditions of those affected and provided the utmost level of care. The airline is investigating the incident and continuing to assist passengers and crew.
It is believed the flight hit a storm cell that the pilot did not see due to darkness.
