United Passengers Panic as Oxygen Masks “Inadvertently Deployed” Mid-Flight

A United Airlines flight from Paris to Washington Dulles caused panic when an emergency announcement instructed passengers to put on oxygen masks. However,  there wasn’t an emergency when the incident happened. And to make matters worse, only a few oxygen masks deployed from the overhead panels. The incident happened on a Boeing 777-200, on Wednesday, June 12. 

The announcement told passengers to “wait for the oxygen masks to fall from the compartment, then put them over your head and pull down.”

Parker Pitman, a passenger aboard flight 914, told the website Simple Flying that some passengers tried to open the ceiling compartments to access oxygen masks. Pitman also said, “One person had a panic attack and ran to the aircraft door, presumably to open it.”  He added, “None of the flight crew nor cabin crew had ever heard the announcement before, and it was a very odd situation.”

Another travel website, Paddle Your Kanoo, reported that flight attendants also had a difficult time contacting the pilots on the plane’s interphone system.  

Oxygen Masks Inadvertently Deployed

United Airlines confirmed the incident. An airline spokesperson said, “A small number of oxygen masks inadvertently deployed.” United also added that the cabin pressure throughout the flight was normal. The plane landed on schedule without any issues. 

Boeing’s Safety Issues

Boeing had recent issues concerning its aircraft. The aircraft manufacturer was under scrutiny after a Boeing 737 Max 9’s door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight. 

Then in March, a Boeing 737-900 on a United Airlines flight traveling from Houston to Fort Myers, Florida experienced an engine issue and had to turn around to make an emergency landing. 

On Tuesday afternoon, a senate subcommittee held a hearing that focused on “Boeing’s Broken Safety Culture.” During the hearing, CEO Dave Calhoun testified and addressed the families of passengers who passed away during Boeing plane crashes in 2018 and 2019. 

He said, “I want to personally apologize, on behalf of everyone at Boeing.” He added, “We are deeply sorry for your losses. Nothing is more important than the safety of the people who step on board our airplanes. Every day we seek to honor the memory of those lost through a steadfast commitment to safety and quality.”