Flight Details
A flight was operating in level cruise at Flight Level 430 (FL430) when it encountered severe turbulence. The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Tulsa VOR. The flight crew had previously received SIGMETs advising of significant Level 6 thunderstorm activity in the immediate area.
Weather Encounter
According to the flight crew, their onboard weather radar depicted weather approximately 40 miles from their position at the time of the accident, and that weather was not in their flight path. Transcripts of communications with air traffic control indicate that about five miles west of the Tulsa VOR and two minutes prior to the event, the crew requested and received permission to deviate from their assigned course to avoid buildups in their flight path.
Turbulence and Descent
Despite the deviation, the flight encountered severe turbulence lasting approximately 10 to 20 seconds. During this encounter, the aircraft descended 3,500 feet before the flight crew was able to regain control of the descent.
Diversion and Medical Attention
Following the turbulence encounter, the flight diverted to Memphis, Tennessee, in order to obtain medical attention for persons who were injured in the cabin section of the aircraft.