NTSB blames air traffic control for United Airlines Flight 1890 injuries.

Ujjwal Sukhwani
By Ujjwal SukhwaniPublished Feb 12, 2026 at 01:03 PM UTC, 2 min read

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.

NTSB blames air traffic control for United Airlines Flight 1890 injuries.

NTSB officials found air traffic control failed to warn United Airlines Flight 1890 about turbulence; the error led to several crew and passenger injuries.

Key Takeaways

  • NTSB report confirms air traffic controllers failed to relay turbulence warnings.
  • Three flight attendants sustained serious injuries during the 2024 encounter.
  • An unsecured infant was thrown from a seat due to the violent aircraft motion.
  • The incident highlights the critical need for timely pilot weather reports (PIREPs).

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a final report. It details a 2024 United Airlines incident. The report blames air traffic controllers. They made a serious safety mistake. This error caused several injuries.

On February 10, 2024, the flight was active. It flew from Cancun to Newark. The Boeing 737 hit sudden air. This happened near the Florida coast. The movement was very violent. It threw people from their seats.

ATC Communication Failure

Controllers knew about the rough air. Other pilots reported severe turbulence earlier. These reports came from nearby planes. However, controllers did not share this. They failed to warn the pilots.

The United Airlines crew had no warning. They could not use seatbelt signs. Flight attendants were still standing up. This lack of data is critical. It led directly to the injuries.

Impact on Crew and Passengers

Three flight attendants were badly hurt. One was thrown into the ceiling. An unsecured baby also flew up. The infant left the parent's lap. Luckily, the baby survived the fall.

Safety experts worry about lap infants. The FAA suggests seats for everyone. This event proves that point well. Turbulence can happen without any notice. It turns clear skies into danger.

Industry Safety Standards

The pilots followed all standard rules. They were unaware of the risk. The NTSB wants better controller training. They must share weather data faster.

Even short warnings save many lives. This case will change safety reviews. IATA members will study these findings. Better communication is the only solution. Safety must always come first.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.

Ujjwal Sukhwani

Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani

Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.

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