No fatalities

In-Flight Turbulence Injures Four Cabin Crew and Two Passengers (N50051)

Atlantic Ocean, AO, US

On January 7, 1997, an Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R (registration N50051) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: an encounter with unforecast clear air turbulence and the flight attendant's failure to use the seat belt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N50051
Aircraft registered N50051. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During cruise at FL330 in visual conditions, an aircraft encountered two turbulence pulses. Three flight attendants sustained minor injuries, one serious injury, and two passengers with unfastened seatbelts received minor injuries.

Incident Summary

The incident occurred while the aircraft was cruising at Flight Level 330 in visual meteorological conditions. No Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET) advisories for turbulence were in effect at the time. The seatbelt sign was illuminated throughout the event.

Sequence of Events

According to data from the flight data recorder, the turbulence consisted of two distinct pulses separated by an interval of 8 seconds. Each pulse registered a maximum vertical acceleration of +1.6 g on the aircraft's vertical axis. At the time of the encounter, flight attendants were working in both the forward and aft galleys, preparing for meal service.

Injuries

As a result of the turbulence, three flight attendants sustained minor injuries. A fourth flight attendant suffered a serious injury, specifically a fractured ankle. Additionally, two passengers seated in the rear of the aircraft, whose seat belts were unfastened, received minor injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Jan 1997 Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R accident near Atlantic Ocean, AO?

During cruise at FL330 in visual conditions, an aircraft encountered two turbulence pulses. Three flight attendants sustained minor injuries, one serious injury, and two passengers with unfastened seatbelts received minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Jan 1997 Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Jan 1997 involved an Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R, registration N50051, at Atlantic Ocean, AO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

an encounter with unforecast clear air turbulence and the flight attendant's failure to use the seat belt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07347. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.