On August 9, 1990, a Boeing B-737-300 (registration N327SW) was involved in an aviation accident near Corpus Christi, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Encounter with clear air turbulence during cruise flight while deviating around clouds, which resulted in a flight attendant injury. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight attendant sustained a fractured coccyx after being thrown about the cabin during clear air turbulence while the aircraft was cruising at flight level 330.
What happened
The scheduled passenger airline flight was operating in cruise conditions when it encountered clear air turbulence. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was flying at flight level 330. The captain was actively deviating around cirrus and cumulus clouds to avoid weather systems.
During this maneuver, the turbulence caused a flight attendant to be thrown about the cabin. The individual landed directly on her coccyx bone, resulting in a fracture. The injury required hospitalization for more than 48 hours.
The investigation
The source text does not provide specific details regarding mechanical examinations or post-accident physical inspections of the aircraft structure or systems.
Probable cause
Encounter with clear air turbulence during cruise flight while deviating around clouds, which resulted in a flight attendant injury.
What happened in the 9 Aug 1990 Boeing B-737-300 accident near Corpus Christi, TX?
A flight attendant sustained a fractured coccyx after being thrown about the cabin during clear air turbulence while the aircraft was cruising at flight level 330.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 Aug 1990 Boeing B-737-300 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Aug 1990 involved a Boeing B-737-300, registration N327SW, at Corpus Christi, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Encounter with clear air turbulence during cruise flight while deviating around clouds, which resulted in a flight attendant injury.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…