An unexpected altitude drop was experienced by passengers on an American Airlines flight, with the plane descending more than 18,600 feet around 43 minutes after its departure.
FlightAware’s records indicate that the Embraer ERJ-145’s descent was a total of 18,600 feet in a six-minute duration. Passengers described hearing a notable sound and a subsequent strange burning smell during this time.
Harrison Hove, who was on the flight and is a professor at the University of Florida, detailed the incident. He highlighted the sensation in the ears and the strong burning aroma. Hove’s social media posts included photographs showing oxygen masks in use, which he and other passengers availed.
In a statement regarding the incident, American Airlines cited a pressurization anomaly as the descent’s cause. The airline elaborated: “While in flight, the crew received an indication of a possible pressurization issue and safely descended to a lower altitude.” They also conveyed their apologies to the affected passengers.
Hove’s social media updates lauded the flight’s crew and pilots for their efficient handling of the situation. These updates have since been noted by online audiences. The involved flight, American Eagle flight 5916 by Piedmont Airlines, was traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina to Gainesville, Florida and concluded its trip without any reported harm.
