Incident Details
On June 26, 2016, at approximately 1300 Central Daylight Time, United Airlines flight 430, a Boeing 737-900ER (registration N69806), was about 20 minutes into a scheduled passenger flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. The flight departed from New Orleans International Airport (KMSY), Louisiana, and was en route to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD), Illinois. A coffee pot fell off a galley cart and spilled hot coffee onto a passenger. The aircraft had 6 crew members and 172 passengers on board.
Response and Diversion
Medical personnel who were on board treated the passenger. The flight crew declared a medical emergency and diverted to Little Rock National Airport (KLIT), Arkansas. After landing, the passenger was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with second-degree burns from the hot coffee.
Flight Attendant Statements
Flight attendants reported that the beverage cart's pull-out trays were not extended for the coffee pots; instead, the metal coffee pot was placed on top of the cart in the center. They also stated that they could not find the safe-pour lids in their provisioning supplies, so a plastic cup had been placed in the opening of the coffee pot. At the time of the spill, the beverage cart was positioned near seat row 7 with the brakes set. One flight attendant had gone to retrieve a meal cart, and the other had turned their head when screaming was heard. The passenger got up, went to the lavatory, and was later examined by a doctor and a nurse, who advised that a diversion was necessary.
Investigation Findings
It could not be determined whether the coffee pot tipped over or was grabbed by the young passenger, causing the coffee to spill. United Airlines' flight attendant Galley Guide specifies that coffee pots should be placed on the pull-out trays, not in the center of the cart. The guide also repeatedly instructs, "Use the safe-pour lid on coffee pots anytime they are brought into the aisle."