Juan Pablo Elverdin
(CNN) A United Airlines 777 that departed from Hawaii in December plunged into the ocean for 21 seconds shortly after takeoff and came within 800 feet of sea level, flight tracking data shows.
Neither United nor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that there were any injuries on United Flight 1722 on December 18.
According to the data, the crash occurred just over a minute after takeoff.
The plane lost more than half its altitude and came to rest at 775 feet above sea level, according to FlightRadar24 data. The plane gained speed as it descended 1,425 feet from 2,200 feet before regaining climb out of Kahului on the island of Maui.
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The data suggests that the remainder of the flight was uneventful.
United said it had conducted an investigation with the FAA and the pilots’ union “which ultimately resulted in pilots receiving additional training,” adding that the investigation is ongoing.
The pilots add 25,000 flight hours.
“United Airlines crew reported the incident to the FAA as part of a voluntary safety briefing program. The agency reviewed the incident and took appropriate action,” the FAA told CNN.
Although the weather at the exact time is unclear, the National Weather Service reported that a daily record for rainfall was broken in Kahului that day.
The incident, which has just come to light, was first published on the Air Current website.
The-CNN-Wire
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