A United Airlines flight from Hawaii to California in December plunged more than 1,000 feet just after takeoff — almost into the Pacific Ocean, flight data shows.
Just 71 seconds into the Dec. 18 flight from Maui’s Kahului Airport to San Francisco International Airport, the Boeing 777, Flight 1722, suddenly began a steep descent into the ocean, according to the data.
In less than 20 seconds, the plane went from 2,200 feet to 775 feet above the water, according to flight data.
The jet was hurtling towards the water at 8,600 feet per minute, according to air current, an online aeronautical publication.
The aircraft stabilized and began to climb again before completing the trip to San Francisco.
The flight crew reported what happened to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Although United Airlines did not specify what the problem was, a spokesperson told CNN that there was nothing wrong with the plane and that the pilots received “additional training” after the incident.
The near miss was first reported by the air current on Sunday.