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Recursion

(56,582 posts)
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 05:21 AM Dec 2014

Holy crap. Crazy turbulence diverts American Airlines flight 280 to Japan

A friend of mine was on the flight, said that people hit the ceiling and every piece of glass out was shattered.

http://www.weather.com/news/news/american-airlines-flight-280-turbulence-diverted-tokyo



(This is from the "smaller" turbulence they hit later -- also, not my friend's video, but some dude in business class with more arm and bowel control than I would have in that situation.)

When the flight crew says "fasten your seatbelt"...
51 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Holy crap. Crazy turbulence diverts American Airlines flight 280 to Japan (Original Post) Recursion Dec 2014 OP
Saw that on the news. Suich Dec 2014 #1
She's boarding another plane right now (or was an hour ago) Recursion Dec 2014 #2
OH HELL NO XemaSab Dec 2014 #3
I cannot disagree Recursion Dec 2014 #4
Agreed, not just no .... HELL NO! etherealtruth Dec 2014 #24
I know what you mean. Turbulence is the one reason closeupready Dec 2014 #29
The safest way to travel. Behind the Aegis Dec 2014 #5
Fascinating how the "safest way" XemaSab Dec 2014 #6
I loved XKCD's quote on manned space flight Recursion Dec 2014 #11
I have flown in some rough turbulence, but that looks like some serious stuff... MADem Dec 2014 #7
Yeah, that was the "lighter" turbulence from later in the flight Recursion Dec 2014 #12
Sounds like an argument for swigging one's vino from the mini-bottle! nt MADem Dec 2014 #13
This message was self-deleted by its author Pacifist Patriot Dec 2014 #15
Sounds like an argument for safety belts for wine and chicken. :) pinboy3niner Dec 2014 #17
Use your belt and take a belt!!!! nt MADem Dec 2014 #19
Yew! I've been in rough weather... a la izquierda Dec 2014 #8
Always keep your seat belt fastened, except to go to the restroom. ColesCountyDem Dec 2014 #9
Yep. My stepdad was a test pilot and he swears by it. Recursion Dec 2014 #10
One time I was mid stream when the turbulence hit. AngryAmish Dec 2014 #16
That's my #1 fear. nt pinboy3niner Dec 2014 #21
I can only imagine your #2 fear. nt msanthrope Dec 2014 #36
ha ha! nt DawgHouse Dec 2014 #48
See OP subject line pinboy3niner Dec 2014 #49
At least you weren't mid plop. name not needed Dec 2014 #26
lol, never considered that. closeupready Dec 2014 #30
Rationally I know it's the safest form of travel. Still a psychological mess boarding a plane. Pacifist Patriot Dec 2014 #14
I was in turbulence over the Pacific once marions ghost Dec 2014 #18
I used to take the Delta Atlanta to Narita route a lot when I was lucky enough to work in Japan. djean111 Dec 2014 #20
Do. Not. Want. phantom power Dec 2014 #22
I went through a really bad turbulence a few years ago, on a flight from Miami to Frankfurt darkangel218 Dec 2014 #23
The routes all go that far north to maximize proximity to land here is a pic of stevenleser Dec 2014 #34
I noticed that on all my return trips except one, darkangel218 Dec 2014 #39
Are you scared of flying, Steven? darkangel218 Dec 2014 #40
Not per se, no. But turbulence does scare me. No likey. stevenleser Dec 2014 #50
It is actually that . . . Richard D Dec 2014 #51
okay, so I made it 46 seconds in and already had a REALLY strong urge to say STFU! snooper2 Dec 2014 #25
. darkangel218 Dec 2014 #27
Jury results: 7-0 to keep stevenleser Dec 2014 #33
The storm developed suddenly treestar Dec 2014 #28
Yeah that's how it happens. Hassin Bin Sober Dec 2014 #35
Transpacific flights typically get the worst turbulence of all. closeupready Dec 2014 #31
I was in bad turbulence before dissentient Dec 2014 #32
I was on a flight to London that had to make an emergency landing in Greenland. msanthrope Dec 2014 #37
I would've had to live out the rest of my days in Tokyo... countryjake Dec 2014 #38
My close family lives in Europe darkangel218 Dec 2014 #41
Well, my loved ones live 2,500 mile away... countryjake Dec 2014 #42
Your link is gone, here is another. That is wild. uppityperson Dec 2014 #43
Oops, you beat me to it. Oh well, two is better than none. n/t countryjake Dec 2014 #45
Hey Recur, that vid you'd posted was taken down so here's another one... countryjake Dec 2014 #44
Holy fuck! sakabatou Dec 2014 #46
I am surprised that the overhead bins stayed closed. ManiacJoe Dec 2014 #47

Suich

(10,642 posts)
1. Saw that on the news.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 05:28 AM
Dec 2014

I can't imagine how frightening that was for the passengers.

Hope your friend is ok.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
2. She's boarding another plane right now (or was an hour ago)
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 05:31 AM
Dec 2014

Apparently the plane's wings were so shredded it's going to be scrapped.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
4. I cannot disagree
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 05:39 AM
Dec 2014

I've always wanted a trans-pacific cruise, and this would be just the opportunity.

etherealtruth

(22,165 posts)
24. Agreed, not just no .... HELL NO!
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 11:39 AM
Dec 2014

I have to summon every ounce of courage I have to get on a plane .... had this happened .... NEVER again!

(irrational fear SUCKS)

 

closeupready

(29,503 posts)
29. I know what you mean. Turbulence is the one reason
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 12:11 PM
Dec 2014

I almost never travel anymore. Had quite a few scary flights, but nothing this bad.

Behind the Aegis

(53,823 posts)
5. The safest way to travel.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 05:59 AM
Dec 2014

It is true. But, damn if it doesn't scare the shit out of me! I would have had to replace my pants...and that's the 'smaller' turbulence?!

KUDOS to the pilots!!!

XemaSab

(60,212 posts)
6. Fascinating how the "safest way"
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:09 AM
Dec 2014

seems like the craziest idea anyone had short of manned space flight.

This boat looks like a safer craft than this plane:





Happy Hanukkah!

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
11. I loved XKCD's quote on manned space flight
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 08:59 AM
Dec 2014

"You strap yourselves to an explosive?"

"As crazy as it sounds, it's the best idea we've come up with yet."

MADem

(135,425 posts)
7. I have flown in some rough turbulence, but that looks like some serious stuff...
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:38 AM
Dec 2014

...and that wasn't even the worst of it...? Wow.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
12. Yeah, that was the "lighter" turbulence from later in the flight
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 08:59 AM
Dec 2014

My friend has some pics on FB of the wine and chicken on the ceiling of the plane...

Response to MADem (Reply #13)

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
17. Sounds like an argument for safety belts for wine and chicken. :)
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 09:38 AM
Dec 2014

"And at this time we ask that all passengers please ensure their wine is belted..."

ColesCountyDem

(6,943 posts)
9. Always keep your seat belt fastened, except to go to the restroom.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 08:20 AM
Dec 2014

A classmate who flies for United gave me that advice almost 30 years ago, telling me that it's what he himself does when he's a passenger.

Recursion

(56,582 posts)
10. Yep. My stepdad was a test pilot and he swears by it.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 08:24 AM
Dec 2014

He always keeps his belt fastened while seated, and he got me in that habit.

Pacifist Patriot

(24,647 posts)
14. Rationally I know it's the safest form of travel. Still a psychological mess boarding a plane.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 09:31 AM
Dec 2014

I'd be crying and probably wet my pants if that was the "smaller" turbulence. Just a few seconds of watching this video threatened to bring on an anxiety attack.

marions ghost

(19,841 posts)
18. I was in turbulence over the Pacific once
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 09:38 AM
Dec 2014

--when all the flight attendants have to stay buckled up the whole time and no drinks are served---bad sign.

 

djean111

(14,255 posts)
20. I used to take the Delta Atlanta to Narita route a lot when I was lucky enough to work in Japan.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 09:50 AM
Dec 2014

I never once slept on the plane. Never really relaxed. Luckily, the only scary thing that ever happened was when both left tires blew out when taxiing to leave Narita. The blessing there was that the tires were probably stressed from making an unscheduled stop in Portland on the way to Japan, earlier in the day, and the full load of jet fuel was not a good thing to land with. According to some engineers I was sitting with, the tires could have blown when we landed in Atlanta, and that would likely have been really really bad.
Never got much turbulence on that flight, but I understand it can just come out of nowhere sometimes. I drank a lot of wine, though, just in case.

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
23. I went through a really bad turbulence a few years ago, on a flight from Miami to Frankfurt
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 11:35 AM
Dec 2014

We were over Nova Scotia ( no idea why they go so far north).and we encountered a horrible turbulence which lasted at least 30-40 mins . We thought the plane is going to come apart. I was freaking out, but the passenger next to me was as calm as a clam. I asked him how come he wasn't scared, we might not make it, and he said: "meh, Shit happens." Lmao!!

I'm glad everyone made it back safely on this flight. I hate flying!!!

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
39. I noticed that on all my return trips except one,
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:24 PM
Dec 2014

We did take the "cross the ocean route".
It seems that all flights from Germany to US diagonally cross, with a few exceptions.

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
40. Are you scared of flying, Steven?
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:29 PM
Dec 2014

I'm petrified. I used to have 0 problems with flying, until 9-11. After that I developed flying phobia. I can't control it. I have to take meds when I fly, otherwise I will not fly anywhere.
Its not even a real fear, it's a phobia I can't control.

It does suck .

Richard D

(8,692 posts)
51. It is actually that . . .
Thu Dec 18, 2014, 11:51 AM
Dec 2014

. . . planes fly what is called "Great Circle Routes" - which basically means that the shortest distance between two points on a round surface is not a straight line.

 

snooper2

(30,151 posts)
25. okay, so I made it 46 seconds in and already had a REALLY strong urge to say STFU!
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 11:44 AM
Dec 2014

Then the dude starts praying?




 

stevenleser

(32,886 posts)
33. Jury results: 7-0 to keep
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 03:17 PM
Dec 2014

On Wed Dec 17, 2014, 02:06 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

okay, so I made it 46 seconds in and already had a REALLY strong urge to say STFU!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=5971566

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Insensitive comment, laughing at what could''ve been a tragedy. Not to mention he's attacking spirituality ( in this case "praying&quot again. This poster's intolerance and nastiness is disgusting.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Wed Dec 17, 2014, 02:16 PM, and the Jury voted 0-7 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: While I agree that this post does disrespect spirituality in the face of possible tragedy, hiding it would be a disproportionate measure. Tough call on this one.
Juror #5 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Person is being a jerk, but I wouldn't hide the post.
Juror #6 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Oh good golly, get a grip on yourself.
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Alerter, not even close to being alert worthy. Really.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

Hassin Bin Sober

(26,271 posts)
35. Yeah that's how it happens.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 03:30 PM
Dec 2014

They use on board radar to divert around larger storms that can cause heavy convective activity.

But sometimes it can pop up as they fly through/over what appears to be less threatening.

 

closeupready

(29,503 posts)
31. Transpacific flights typically get the worst turbulence of all.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 12:16 PM
Dec 2014

Not sure why, but I've known lots of world travelers who say that it's always the worst.

Keep in mind that of all the reasons planes crash, turbulence is the rarest reason of all reasons. Not that this makes it easier to stomach the bumps.

 

dissentient

(861 posts)
32. I was in bad turbulence before
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 12:36 PM
Dec 2014

I'm sure it was nothing like that though, but it was bad enough that, along with another incident where I was in a plane and I am very certain they screwed up royally in terms of traffic control, but it was never reported, I don't want to get into it but it was way too close for comfort, suffice it to say I haven't flown for many years now.

 

msanthrope

(37,549 posts)
37. I was on a flight to London that had to make an emergency landing in Greenland.
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 03:42 PM
Dec 2014

Let's just say that the amount of drugs I had to take to get on the plane sent to pick us up was substantial.

countryjake

(8,554 posts)
38. I would've had to live out the rest of my days in Tokyo...
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:10 PM
Dec 2014

if I had been on that flight! I'm more scared of boats over deep water than I am of flying, but that video makes me very glad I'm not traveling any distance any time soon.

Your friend was very brave to actually board another plane. Holy crap doesn't even cover that sort of fear.

 

darkangel218

(13,985 posts)
41. My close family lives in Europe
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 06:32 PM
Dec 2014

If you had to go be reunited with your loved ones, or had to travel back HOME, trust me, you will be flying.
Terrified or not.

countryjake

(8,554 posts)
42. Well, my loved ones live 2,500 mile away...
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 07:43 PM
Dec 2014

so even driving that far is an obstacle I rarely attempt to conquer anymore.

I once almost decided to settle high up in the Bighorn Mountains, as I was moving away from my family years ago, and foolishly chose to take a shortcut thru that rugged terrain to get to Yellowstone National Park.

Two-lane highway, no guardrails, simply incredible heights...my brakes were smoking and as I pulled over to cool off and steel myself for the rest of that descent, I turned and actually asked my toddler if she'd like to live up there. I think that was probably the most terrifying traveling experience I've ever had. Beautiful mountain range, tho!

Flying I can handle as long as I have a seat next to a window, nose pressed against it most of the trip. Amazing vistas are a passion of mine.

countryjake

(8,554 posts)
44. Hey Recur, that vid you'd posted was taken down so here's another one...
Wed Dec 17, 2014, 07:55 PM
Dec 2014

I think it's the same as yours was:

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Holy crap. Crazy turbulen...