On November 7, 1995, a Boeing 737-200 (registration N312DL) operated by Delta Airlines Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the passenger to remain seated while the seatbelt sign was illuminated during a turbulence encounter. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A passenger sustained a broken leg after being thrown into a galley during a brief turbulence encounter while the crew was descending and the seatbelt sign was on.
What happened
The flight crew was managing a descent from an altitude of 18,000 feet down to 10,000 feet. During this phase of the flight, the cabin seatbelt sign was illuminated, and a public address announcement was made instructing all occupants to fasten their seatbelts.
Despite these precautions, the aircraft encountered a short period of turbulence. At that moment, one passenger was standing in the aisle near the rear lavatory. The sudden movement caused the individual to be thrown forward into the rear galley area. As a result of this impact, the passenger suffered a broken leg.
Probable cause
The failure of the passenger to remain seated while the seatbelt sign was illuminated during a turbulence encounter.
What happened in the 7 Nov 1995 Boeing 737-200 accident near Pensacola, FL?
A passenger sustained a broken leg after being thrown into a galley during a brief turbulence encounter while the crew was descending and the seatbelt sign was on.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Nov 1995 Boeing 737-200 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Nov 1995 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration N312DL, operated by Delta Airlines Inc., at Pensacola, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the passenger to remain seated while the seatbelt sign was illuminated during a turbulence encounter.
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