RALEIGH- A Fort Worth-based American Airlines (AA) flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) experienced turbulence on June 22, 2025, injuring multiple people on board. The Airbus A321 landed safely at RDU around 10:50 p.m. local time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that American Airlines Flight 1286 (AA1286) reported in-flight injuries to crew and passengers. An investigation into the turbulence incident is now underway.
Photo: Cado PhotoAmerican Airlines Flight Turbulence
The incident occurred while Flight AA1286 was en route from Miami (MIA) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) when it encountered unexpected turbulence.
Upon landing, three flight attendants and two passengers were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
American Airlines issued a public statement confirming the injuries, adding that the seatbelt sign was on at the time of the turbulence. The airline praised the professionalism of its crew and expressed appreciation for passengers’ cooperation during the event.
The exact nature and severity of the injuries remain undisclosed as of this report. Authorities have not released details about the passengers’ or crew members’ current medical conditions.
The FAA has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the turbulence. While turbulence is a relatively common event in commercial aviation, it can be dangerous when passengers and crew are not properly secured.
Initial information indicates that standard safety protocols were in place, including the seatbelt sign being illuminated. It is not yet clear whether those injured were wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident.
Passengers on board described the turbulence as sudden and forceful, with some reporting overhead bins opening and items being dislodged.
The flight was operated by a 24.4-year-old Airbus A321-200, registered as N189UW.
Photo: Clément AlloingSimilar Incidents
Two American Airlines (AA) flights reported severe midair turbulence on separate routes, leading to injuries among flight attendants. Both aircraft—one international and one domestic—landed safely at their destinations despite the incidents.
The turbulence events occurred near Memphis (MEM) and en route to Philadelphia (PHL), prompting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statements and brief groundings for safety inspections.
The first incident involved American Airlines (AA) Flight AA37, a Boeing 777-200 (registration N793AN), operating from Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
While cruising at 38,000 feet near Memphis (MEM), the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, injuring two flight attendants. Despite the event, the flight continued to its destination and landed safely approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes later.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident in an official report, stating:
“Aircraft encountered severe turbulence injuring two flight attendants, Memphis, TN.”
After landing, the widebody aircraft was grounded for nearly 20 hours before being cleared to resume operations.
A separate event occurred on American Airlines Flight AA2561, operated by an Airbus A319-100 (registration N730US), traveling from Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
This flight also faced severe turbulence mid-route, resulting in one flight attendant’s injury. The aircraft landed safely at PHL and was later grounded for approximately 5.5 hours before returning to service.
The FAA provided a similar statement for the second case:
“Aircraft encountered severe turbulence injuring a flight attendant, Philadelphia, PA.”
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