Casualties unknown

1997-01-07: Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R (N50051) — Atlantic Ocean, AO

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. 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 1781061362Data 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.

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.