Passengers filmed in distress on turbulence-hit flight
Passengers are heard crying out while others say their prayers in a phone recording of a plane enduring turbulence so severe it forced the pilot to take an unscheduled landing.
The footage, which may be upsetting to some fearful flyers, was taken on the American Airlines flight 280 as it encountered stormy weather over the western Pacific Ocean en route from South Korea to Dallas, Texas.
Several people were injured in turbulence that passengers said lasted more than 45 minutes before the plane, which was carrying 240 passengers and a crew of 15, turned back and landed safely in Tokyo.
Four passengers and a crew member were taken to hospital after landing in the Japanese capital to receive more treatment, though none of their injuries were life threatening.
The Boeing 777-200 jet had originally set off from Incheon International Airport near Seoul, South Korea.
American Airlines said passengers were taken to hotels after the grounding on Tuesday and had been set to complete their journey a day later.
The footage was widely shared on flying sites and used by veteran flyers to remind people to always remain buckled-up during a flight, even when the seatbelt signs have been turned off.