Passenger injured during moderate turbulence

Casualties unknown • Pacific Ocean, PO, US

A passenger sustained multiple fractures to her right leg and foot after falling during a period of moderate turbulence while the seatbelt sign was illuminated.

What happened

As the aircraft approached an area where previous flights had reported moderate turbulence, the flight crew took several precautionary measures. The crew activated the fasten seatbelt sign, notified the cabin of the incoming turbulence, and directed flight attendants to take their seats.

Despite a verbal warning from a flight attendant regarding the impending turbulence, an English-speaking female passenger left her seat to walk to the lavatory. While the passenger was exiting the lavatory, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence, causing the passenger to fall to the floor.

The passenger reported pain in her right leg following the fall. In response, cabin and flight crew members stabilized her leg and assisted her back to a nearby seat. A medical examination conducted after the flight determined that the passenger had suffered multiple fractures of the right foot and leg.

All Boeing 747-400 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-11-01 Boeing 747-122 accident near Pacific Ocean, PO?

A passenger sustained multiple fractures to her right leg and foot after falling during a period of moderate turbulence while the seatbelt sign was illuminated.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-11-01 involved a Boeing 747-122, registration N4714U, at Pacific Ocean, PO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the passenger to comply with the fasten seatbelt signs and the verbal directives of the flight and cabin crew.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04870. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…