1996-12-21: British Aerospace BAE 146-200A — Air Wisconsin Airlines — Denver, CO

Casualties unknown • Denver, CO, US

Probable cause

an inflight encounter with unreported and unanticipated clear air turbulence during landing descent.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

An Air Wisconsin Airline flight, operating as United Express Flight 684, had been cleared to descend from FL190 to 13,000 feet on the Thompson One Arrival into Denver. As the airplane was passing 14,000 feet, it encountered unreported and unanticipated clear air turbulence. Two flight attendants, making their pre-landing check of the cabin, were seriously injured. One flight attendant received fractures to her pelvis, collarbone, and two ribs. The other flight attendant sustained a fractured ankle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-12-21 British Aerospace BAE 146-200A accident near Denver, CO?

An Air Wisconsin Airline flight, operating as United Express Flight 684, had been cleared to descend from FL190 to 13,000 feet on the Thompson One Arrival into Denver. As the airplane was passing 14,000 feet, it encountered unreported and unanticipated clear air turbulence. Two flight attendants, making their…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-12-21 involved a British Aerospace BAE 146-200A, registration N606AW, operated by Air Wisconsin Airlines, at Denver, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

an inflight encounter with unreported and unanticipated clear air turbulence during landing descent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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