A Commutair Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N14148 performing flight UA-4305 from Washington Dulles,DC to Huntsville,AL (USA), was climbing out of Washington's runway 19L when about 3 minutes into the flight an interior panel fell from above an emergency exit and hit the passenger sitting there onto his head. The aircraft continued to Huntsville for a safe landing on runway 18L about 90 minutes after departure.
Passenger Christian Cooper tweeted: "Exit row ln on @united yes this panel is held up with Band-aids. Yes this panel came undone 3 minutes after takeoff. Yes it hit me in the head. Yes it stayed like this for the rest of the flight. No this can’t be @FAANews approved, do better. #ua4305"
The airline confirmed a plastic interior panel came loose during flight UA-4305 on Oct 30th 2024. The flight landed normally, the panel was repaired.
The aircraft returned to service about 14 hours after landing.
