The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into an incident involving a United Airlines flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Washington D.C. that occurred on Friday. The flight, which was carrying 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots, turned back after the aircraft, a Boeing 787-8, experienced a technical issue and "an unexpected aircraft movement."

According to United Airlines, the incident was not related to severe turbulence but stemmed from a technical problem. The airline clarified that the flight diverted back to Nigeria, where it landed safely, and four passengers and two flight attendants were taken to hospital with injuries. Fortunately, all of them have been discharged.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported that an additional 27 passengers and five crew members sustained minor injuries. Videos circulating on social media show the chaotic scenes on board the aircraft, with food and other items scattered across the cabin and the sound of panicked passengers in the background.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft involved, registered as N27903, was manufactured in 2012. United Airlines stated that it is collaborating with Nigerian officials to investigate the cause of the incident. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that a preliminary report on the matter is expected to be published within approximately 30 days.

This incident raises concerns about aviation safety, particularly in the context of international flights. The investigation will likely focus on the technical issue that caused the unexpected aircraft movement, as well as the response of the flight crew and the airline's safety protocols. The incident also highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration between airlines, regulatory bodies, and governments in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.

The aviation industry has made significant strides in improving safety standards in recent years, but incidents like this serve as a reminder that there is still more work to be done. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to identify the root cause of the technical issue and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

In the meantime, passengers and the general public will be watching closely for updates on the investigation and any recommendations that may emerge. The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring the safety of air travel.