Korean Flight Drops 27,000 ft Within 15 Minutes: Passengers Suffer Nosebleeds and Ear Pain

A Korean Air flight experienced a terrifying ordeal on Saturday when it rapidly descended 26,900 feet in just 15 minutes, resulting in the hospitalization of 17 passengers. 

The incident occurred on flight KE189, which was en route to Taichung, Taiwan, but had to be diverted back to Incheon International Airport due to a severe fault in the Boeing 737 Max 8's pressurization system.

The flight, carrying 125 passengers, took off around 4:45 pm local time on June 22. 

Approximately 50 minutes into the journey, alarms triggered by the pressurization system malfunction prompted the rapid descent. 

Data from online flight tracker Flightradar24 confirmed the dramatic drop, which caused panic and distress among passengers. 

Oxygen masks were deployed, and many passengers, including children, experienced hyperventilation, ear pain, and nosebleeds.

Upon landing back at Incheon Airport at 7:38 pm, 17 passengers required immediate medical attention. 

Fortunately, Korean Air reported that all affected passengers were attended to by medical professionals and discharged without severe injuries. 

The airline assured passengers and the public that a thorough investigation was underway to identify and rectify the cause of the pressurization system failure before the aircraft could return to service.

Despite the harrowing experience, there were no major injuries reported. 

The flight resumed the following morning with a different aircraft, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Taichung. 

Passengers recounted scenes of chaos onboard, with children crying and widespread fear that the plane might crash. 

One passenger, identified as Tseng, described the fear and anxiety during the descent, particularly when the oxygen masks deployed.

This incident follows a series of safety concerns for Korean Air. 

Earlier this year, one of their planes came into contact with a Cathay Pacific Airways aircraft at New Chitose Airport in Japan, although no injuries were reported. 

Additionally, last year, Korean Air implemented new safety measures, including weighing passengers and their carry-on items, to enhance flight safety.

In response to this recent emergency, Korean Air has expressed deep regret and offered comprehensive support to the affected passengers, including accommodation, meals, and transportation arrangements. 

The airline also reiterated its commitment to cooperating fully with relevant authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.

This incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and safety protocols in aviation. 

Passengers rely on airlines to provide safe and reliable transportation, and incidents like these underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and continuous improvement in airline safety standards.