Cabin Attendant Injured During Hard Landing

Casualties unknown • Lexington, KY, US

A cabin attendant sustained a bone fracture in his ankle when an aircraft experienced a hard landing, resulting in vertical acceleration of 2.5 G's.

What happened

During the landing phase of a flight, a hard landing occurred, causing injury to one crew member. At approximately eight minutes and 37 seconds before touchdown, the captain signaled the cabin crew to prepare for landing.

A cabin attendant was moving toward his jumpseat after preparing a galley for arrival. He reported that he realized the aircraft was close to the ground while in transit. As the aircraft touched down, the attendant's ankle twisted, resulting in a bone fracture.

Flight data indicated the aircraft touched down with an indicated airspeed of 124 knots and a vertical velocity of 10.7 feet per second. The maximum vertical acceleration recorded at the moment of touchdown was 2.5 G's. There was no damage to the aircraft, and all other occupants were not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-09-04 Douglas MD-88 accident near Lexington, KY?

A cabin attendant sustained a bone fracture in his ankle when an aircraft experienced a hard landing, resulting in vertical acceleration of 2.5 G's.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-09-04 involved a Douglas MD-88, registration N913DL, operated by Delta Air Lines, at Lexington, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE CABIN ATTENDANT DID NOT FOLLOW PUBLISHED PROCEDURES.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13331. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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