Orange County, New York – A United Airlines flight bound for Newark International Airport in New Jersey had to make an emergency landing at an airport in Orange County, New York due to high winds, resulting in several reported injuries.
With over 300 passengers and crew members onboard United Airlines Flight 85 traveling from Tel Aviv to Newark, the decision was made to divert to Stewart International Airport around 6:45 p.m. local time, citing “high winds and turbulence,” according to officials.
The situation intensified when the pilots, as the plane was about to land in Newark following an 11-hour flight from Israel, opted to perform a “go-around” at about 750 feet above the ground. They informed air traffic controllers of encountering “wind shear,” a sudden change in wind direction, prompting them to abort the landing.
Passengers described the routine flight turning into a roller coaster ride, sparking fear and panic among them. One passenger, Roi Gonen, likened the experience to a Six Flags amusement park ride, with heart-stopping moments and visible distress among fellow travelers.
The escalating situation led to some passengers feeling unwell, with reports of vomiting, pregnancy-related concerns, and requests for urgent medical attention. Low on fuel, the pilots rerouted the plane to Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, where paramedics were ready to assist over two dozen passengers who had fallen ill during the flight.
Medical personnel indicated that seven passengers were transported to Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall with minor injuries, mostly related to possible motion sickness, as confirmed by New Windsor EMS. Despite the distressing ordeal, passengers expressed relief upon landing and receiving medical attention, emphasizing the desire to put the incident behind them.
Following medical evaluations and treatments, the most severely affected passengers were transferred to a nearby hospital via ambulances, while the aircraft underwent refueling for a safe and uneventful journey to Newark. As the incident concluded, passengers collectively shared a sentiment of wishing to move past the traumatic episode and focus on their onward travel plans.