Incident Overview
A flight attendant working in the aft galley fell to the floor and sustained a serious back injury when the aircraft encountered turbulence. The event occurred as the flight was climbing through flight level 200 (FL200) near South Bend, Indiana.
Turbulence Encounter
The crew reported that radar was used to avoid weather while approaching South Bend. No pilot reports of turbulence had been received, and the company dispatcher's weather package did not indicate any turbulence. As the aircraft climbed through FL200, moderate turbulence was encountered for several seconds. The aircraft then entered visual meteorological conditions and smooth air.
Crew Actions
The captain stated that the unexpected turbulence started and stopped so quickly that he did not have time to warn the flight attendants. The seat belt sign was illuminated at the time the turbulence was encountered.