Casualties unknown

Clear Air Turbulence Encounter Results in Minor Injuries and Seat Belt Separation (N933ML)

Kansas City, MO, US

On May 29, 1991, a Douglas DC-9-32 (registration N933ML) operated by Midway Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Kansas City, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE DESIGN BY THE MANUFACTURERS. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INCIDENT ARE INADEQUATE CERTIFICATION/APPROVAL BY THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AND CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane encountered clear air turbulence at 10,000 feet in visual meteorological conditions. No aircraft damage occurred, but six occupants sustained minor injuries. One seat belt separated due to a distorted keeper clip.

Incident Overview

An airplane flying in visual meteorological conditions at an altitude of 10,000 feet mean sea level encountered clear air turbulence. The seat belt sign was illuminated during the encounter. The aircraft sustained no damage.

Injuries

Shortly after the turbulence encounter, the cabin crew informed the captain that injuries had occurred in the cabin. The flight continued to its destination, where paramedics met the aircraft. Six individuals—three flight attendants and three passengers—were transported to a local hospital. They were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released.

Seat Belt Examination

One passenger seat belt separated from its attachment point on the seat frame during the incident. Examination of the seat belt revealed a distorted keeper clip on the hook assembly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.