Injured flight attendant remains in local hospital

By By Lance Traweek / American Press

A flight attendant injured a month ago when the aircraft she was on hit turbulence is “progressing well” in a rehabilitation

program at Lake Charles Memorial, a hospital spokesman said Thursday.

The woman, whose name hasn’t been

released, was originally listed in serious condition, meaning her vital

signs were unstable.

But hospital spokesman Matt Felder said her condition now is

“good” and that “she is in rehab and able to participate in exercises.”

The plane, United Airlines Flight 1632,

was headed from Houston to New York on June 12, but was diverted to

Lake Charles after

two flight attendants were seriously injured when the craft hit

turbulence over Winnie, Texas, according to the National Transportation

Safety Board’s preliminary accident report.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-724, carried five crew members and 76 passengers, the report says. Two passengers were also taken

to the hospital after the aircraft was emptied, said Heath Allen, Lake Charles Regional Airport executive director.

“The incident is still under investigation,” said Lynn Lunsford, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman.

According to the FAA’s website, about 60 people are injured in turbulence-stricken planes each year in the United States.

Online: www.ntsb.gov; www.faa.gov.