A COUNTRY rock band from Newcastle has been caught up in an "incredibly frightening experience" on an Air Canada flight from Vancouver to Sydney.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The members of Hurricane Fall were on board flight AC33, carrying 269 passengers and 15 crew, when the Boeing 777 encountered sudden turbulence approximately two hours past Hawaii.
Passengers reported the turbulence tossed people into the air, some hitting the ceiling, with 35 people injured during the mid-air incident.
Band member Pepper Deroy was among the injured, suffering nerve damage in his forearm and elbow. He was treated on the tarmac at Honolulu, where the plane was diverted after the turbulence, before being taken to a local hospital. Mr Deroy spoke with the Newcastle Herald from Hawaii where the band is awaiting a flight home on Saturday.
"I feel like I have been hit by a bus," he said.
"The flight was about halfway in, it was all rosy. There was no real warning and then a jolt of turbulence. The plane plummeted, it just dropped, and anyone not buckled in hit the roof."
The musician had been walking back from the plane toilets when the turbulence started. He was midway through laughing at band mate Dusty Coffey for being worried, when the drop happened.
"Instant karma, I hit the ceiling really hard," he said.
He said a mixture of shock and disbelief followed, as passengers helped each other and staff kept everyone in the cabin calm.
"A follow up in hospital, he's got the thumbs up," a statement on the band's facebook page said.
"We are all super grateful to the Air Canada staff for their professionalism and swift response.
"This was an eye-opening incredibly frightening experience, but we're grateful we are all safe and sound. We'll be home soon."
According to US Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor the turbulence struck the plane at 36,000 feet (10,973 metres), about 966 kilometres south-west of Honolulu.
An investigation into the incident is under way.
While you're with us, did you know The Herald is now offering breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.
IN NEWS TODAY:
- With AAP