What happened
While operating in visual meteorological conditions at 10,000' MSL, the aircraft encountered clear air turbulence. At the time of the encounter, the seat belt sign was illuminated, and the aircraft sustained no structural damage. Following the turbulence, the captain was notified by cabin crew that several passengers and crew members had been injured.
The flight proceeded to its destination, where paramedics were waiting for the arrival. A total of six persons, consisting of three flight attendants and three passengers, were transported to a local hospital. All six individuals were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released.
The investigation
An examination of the cabin interior focused on a passenger seat belt that had separated from its attachment point on the seat frame. Investigators found that the distorted keeper clip on the hook assembly was responsible for the separation.