An Aerolíneas Argentinas flight took a terrifying turn on Monday as it traversed the treacherous Andes Mountains. The Boeing 737 MAX, carrying flight number AR1134 with 186 passengers and a crew of six, encountered severe turbulence that left passengers shaken and prompted footage to go viral online. The plane, en route from Santiago, Chile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina, hit a particularly rough patch of air while cruising at high altitude.
Extreme turbulence onboard an Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737 MAX 8 over Argentina. Just take a look at that wing flex! pic.twitter.com/oTkG8szxWZ
— Planesanity (@planesanity) July 5, 2024
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Witnesses reported violent drops and jolts, sending shrieks echoing through the cabin as belongings tumbled from overhead compartments. Flight attendants scrambled to secure loose items and ensure passenger safety as the captain issued instructions over the intercom, urging everyone to remain seated and buckled up. Thankfully, the well-trained crew managed to navigate the turbulence and regain control of the aircraft. While the exact cause of the turbulence remains unknown, these sudden air disturbances are not uncommon in mountainous regions. The Andes, with their dramatic peaks and valleys, can create unpredictable wind patterns that can cause turbulence even for experienced pilots.
Videos captured by passengers on board show the plane's wings flexing significantly during the ordeal. However, commercial airplane wings are designed with such eventualities in mind. They undergo rigorous testing during certification to withstand extreme forces, capable of handling loads well beyond what they're expected to encounter in flight, ensuring passenger safety even in severe turbulence.
The plane landed safely in Buenos Aires later that evening, with no reports of injuries among those on board. While shaken, passengers expressed relief at the crew's professionalism and the aircraft's resilience. This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent challenges of flying over mountainous terrain, highlighting the critical role of skilled pilots and robust safety features in commercial aviation.