Casualties unknown

Turbulence Incident Injures Flight Attendant and Passenger During Descent (N306AA)

Chicago, IL, US

On January 20, 1988, a Boeing 767-200 (registration N306AA) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N306AA
Aircraft registered N306AA. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A flight attendant sustained serious injuries and a passenger minor injuries when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during an enroute descent. The seat belt sign was on; passengers were seated and belted, while flight attendants were moving.

Incident Details

An inflight encounter with severe turbulence occurred during an enroute descent, resulting in injuries to one flight attendant and one passenger. The flight attendant received serious injuries, while the passenger reported minor injuries.

Injuries

The injured flight attendant suffered a broken leg. The affected passenger complained of a sore neck.

Weather Conditions

Greater than moderate turbulence had been forecast for the area. Additionally, a transport (heavy) category aircraft had reported severe turbulence in the vicinity.

Cabin Status

At the time of the turbulence encounter, the seat belt sign was illuminated. Passengers were seated with their seat belts fastened. Flight attendants were standing and moving about the cabin.

All Boeing 767-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1988 Boeing 767-200 accident near Chicago, IL?

A flight attendant sustained serious injuries and a passenger minor injuries when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during an enroute descent. The seat belt sign was on; passengers were seated and belted, while flight attendants were moving.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1988 involved a Boeing 767-200, registration N306AA, operated by American Airlines, at Chicago, IL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24862. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.