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Passengers on a Delta Airlines flight from Utah to Oregon were left with burst eardrums and bleeding noses after the cabin lost pressure and rapidly descended.
The Delta flight had to return minutes after takeoff when the cabin failed to pressurise as it made its ascent into the air.
The plane departed from Salt Lake City at 8.30am and was bound for Portland International Airport.
Shortly after the plane took off, passengers on board the Boeing 737-900 aircraft said they felt pressure in their noses and ears.
In an interview with KSL TV, one passenger said it felt like someone was stabbing her in the ear.
‘I grabbed my ear, and I pulled my hand back, and there was blood on it,’ Jaci Purser told the publication.
10 passengers were treated by paramedics at the airport (Picture: Jaci Purser)
Her ear popped from the cabin pressure, and it began to bubble.
She then went to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a ruptured eardrum and prescribed antibiotic drops, steroids, and nose spray.
The plane dipped shortly after takeoff, according to those on board. It then circled the Salt Lake City Area, before returning to the airport.
The Federal Aviation Associate (FAA) said Delta Airlines reported a possible ‘pressurisation issue’ while at 10,000 feet, and are investigating the incident.
Delta Airlines allegedly did not tell passengers on board about the issue, or explain why they had to return to the departure airport.
Former Delta Airlines pilot Valerie Walker told KSL TV that the plane’s captain likely saw the issue and tried to solve it before returning to the airport.
‘Airplanes only make money when they’re in the air,’ she said.
‘Plus, we have people that have to go somewhere. They have to make connections.
‘If it’s safe, and we can fix it in the air, we’ll do it. If there’s any doubt that it poses a safety problem, then no, we go to the nearest airport where we can get it fixed and land.’
The retired pilot said the issue was not likely to be caused by the pilot.
When the plane arrived back to Salt Lake City Airport, paramedics attended to 10 passengers, but others may have sought their own medical treatment after landing.
The plane has since returned to service after being examined and fixed by technicians.
Metro have contacted Delta Airlines for comment
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Source:: Metro
