Casualties unknown

1987-09-28: Lockheed L-1011 (N317EA) — Eastern Airlines — Bermuda, AO, BD

Bermuda, AO, BD

On September 28, 1987, a Lockheed L-1011 (registration N317EA) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Bermuda, AO, BD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENCOUNTER WITH UNDETECTABLE CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight attendant suffered a broken wrist when an aircraft encountered clear air turbulence at FL310 en route from Puerto Rico to New York, diverting to Bermuda for medical treatment.

Incident Overview

An aircraft cruising at flight level 310 (FL310) on a route between Puerto Rico and New York experienced clear air turbulence (CAT) that caused occupants to be thrown about the cabin. One flight attendant sustained a broken wrist as a result of the event.

Response and Diversion

The flight crew diverted the aircraft to Bermuda, where the injured individuals were treated at a medical facility and subsequently released.

Flight Conditions

According to the flight crew, the aircraft was operating in cirro-stratus clouds at the time of the occurrence. The airborne radar displayed no echoes, indicating an absence of precipitation or convective activity.

Seatbelt Sign Status

The seatbelt sign was illuminated when the turbulence occurred. The captain stated in an interview that his normal procedure was to keep the seatbelt sign illuminated at all times during flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32186. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.