Unexpected Turbulence on American Airlines Flight Sends Five to Hospital

A domestic American Airlines flight experienced unexpected turbulence last Sunday, leaving five people injured, including three flight attendants and two passengers.

The incident occurred on Flight AA1286, en route from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina. The Airbus A321 landed safely at 10:50 p.m. on June 22, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Following the landing, the injured individuals were transported to a local hospital for observation and were released on Monday, the airline told ABC News. The seatbelt sign was on at the time of the turbulence, underscoring the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened throughout the flight.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, it has renewed concerns over the increasing frequency of turbulence events. According to the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA), severe turbulence incidents are on the rise, a trend experts link to climate change.

This type of event—called clear air turbulence—is especially dangerous because it strikes without visual warning, even in apparently calm skies. Authorities continue to urge passengers to keep seatbelts fastened at all times, regardless of flight conditions.

The American Airlines incident follows a similar event earlier this month on a Ryanair flight in Germany, where three passengers were hospitalized after unexpected turbulence.