NTSB provides report on Delta flight that sent over a dozen to hospital

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — On July 30, 2025, twenty-five people were taken to the hospital after experiencing “significant turbulence” on a Delta flight. The National Transportation Safety Board has released their preliminary findings.

Delta Air Lines Flight 56 was enroute to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (EHAM) from Salt Lake City (SLC) airport when it hit severe turbulence around 5:23 p.m. on July 30, 2025. The flight was diverted to Minneapolis Saint-Paul (MSP) International Airport, and 25 individuals were medically evaluated.

Initially, officials reported that 25 people were taken to and evaluated at the local hospital. However, the preliminary report indicates that 24 individuals were evaluated on-scene and 18 of those individuals were transported to the hospital.

Officials noted that two individuals had sustained serious injuries and five had minor injuries.

The National Transportation Safety Board has since released a preliminary report detailing their investigation into the flight.

According to that report, the flight crew expected to experience some weather during the flight and predicted turbulence over the mountains east of SLC, with plans to possibly deviate from the flight plan after crossing those mountains.

The departure was smooth, with some turbulence over the Wasatch Mountains. At flight level (FL) 300, which is equivalent to an altitude of 30,000 feet, the flight was smooth enough that cabin crew were able to begin service.

The crew noted, at FL 350, that there were only light cirrus clouds and the predicted turbulence was “in the green”. The captain turned off the seatbelt sign. Shortly after, the flight climbed to FL370 and noticed weather buildups.

They requested a deviation from air traffic control (ATC), who advised them to turn left to a heading of 350 degrees. Based on that heading and weather radar, it appeared that any weather concerns were 40-50 miles away.

However, once the flight had actually completed the turn, they encountered an overspeed event, in which the airplane exceeds its maximum operating speed, and an updraft. Over several minutes, the airplane descended rapidly, before ascending on updrafts, disengaging the autopilot. This happened approximately three times in a 2.5-minute period and the airplane descended to FL355 from FL380, or approximately 25,000 feet.

The pilot flying initiated the All Attitude Upset Recovery Strategy procedure during this time, before re-engaging the autopilot after the event. After the turbulence event, that pilot continued flying and managing communications with ATC.

The captain coordinated with cabin crew and dispatch, assessing injuries. A passenger who was a Physician Assistant helped triage other passengers. After doing so, the crew planned to divert to MSP to avoid weather and declared an emergency with ATC.

The report also notes that “after landing, they noticed that the right main landing gear brakes were hot and notified ground personnel,” and were met at the gate by firefighting, medical, and maintenance personnel

NTSB specialists have examined flight data and voice recorder data from the cockpit. Additionally, they are working with the Federal Aviation Administration, Delta Air Lines, and other national and international agencies to investigate.

At this time, the investigation remains ongoing. However, the preliminary report indicates that there were thunderstorms moving from the southwest at 10 knots, with clouds upwards of FL450.