In a startling revelation, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has pointed to pilot miscommunication as the root cause of a heart-stopping incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 777.
The incident, which occurred on December 18 near Maui, Hawaii, saw Flight 1722 lose altitude dramatically, coming within a mere 750 feet of the ocean's surface. Miraculously, no injuries or damage were reported onboard.
The miscommunication reportedly revolved around the captain's desired flap setting during the initial climb after departing from Kahului Airport. The misstep led to the aircraft's unnerving descent of approximately 1,350 feet.
Passenger Rod Williams II likened the harrowing experience to a roller coaster ride, describing how the plane initially ascended normally but then climbed at an alarming rate, prompting screams and panic among those onboard.
"There were a number of screams on the plane. Everybody knew that something was out of the ordinary, or at least that this was not normal," said Williams.
The incident took place amid adverse weather conditions marked by showers, thunderstorms and the potential for severe storms with strong winds and hail.