Passengers Crash Into Ceiling, 16 Hurt as Turbulence Hits Airliner

A San Francisco-bound airliner hit heavy turbulence shortly after takeoff on Tuesday, sending passengers crashing into the ceiling of its cabin. Sixteen people were injured.

American Airlines Flight 1539 ran into trouble west of Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and was forced to return to Miami International Airport, said Anne Eldridge, a spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration.

Ten passengers and five crew members were hurt, American Airlines spokeswoman Patricia San Pedro said.

Local hospitals, however, reported taking in 16 people from the flight. All were listed in stable condition with mostly bumps and bruises.

San Pedro said the injuries were “basically fractures or sprains,” with broken legs the most serious injuries.

“When we hit the big jolt, it sent people flying,” said Pat Jennings, 30, of San Francisco. “For a few seconds the plane seemed out of control.”

One woman who apparently was not wearing her seat belt “just flew up through the air, hit the ceiling and dropped down to the aisle and broke her leg,” said Sue Chow of Mill Valley, Calif.

The plane carried 214 passengers and nine crew members, San Pedro said.

Officials said the plane was at 31,000 feet about 130 miles northwest of Miami when the pilot reported the turbulence.

It occurred just as the National Weather Service was issuing heavy thunderstorm warnings for the area, which was drenched Tuesday by heavy rain.

The plane was checked after it landed and appeared to be undamaged, San Pedro said. The passengers would take other flights to San Francisco, she said.