On April 7, 1997, an Airbus Industrie A-320-232 (registration N413UA) was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Encounter with unforecasted turbulence during cruise flight which resulted in injury to a flight attendant. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A flight attendant sustained a fractured foot after encountering unforecasted turbulence during cruise flight at 16,000 feet, despite receiving a weather briefing that did not indicate any potential for rough air prior to departure.
What happened
Before the aircraft departed, the pilot secured a comprehensive weather briefing generated by the operating company. This pre-flight information covered the intended route of flight and explicitly did not call for any turbulence conditions along the path.
During the cruise portion of the flight, while maintaining an altitude of 16,000 feet, the aircraft encountered turbulence that had not been predicted by the earlier briefing. The sudden movement caused a flight attendant to lose balance and fall within the cabin. As a result of this incident, the attendant sustained a fracture in her foot.
Probable cause
Encounter with unforecasted turbulence during cruise flight which resulted in injury to a flight attendant.
What happened in the 7 Apr 1997 Airbus Industrie A-320-232 accident near Newark, NJ?
A flight attendant sustained a fractured foot after encountering unforecasted turbulence during cruise flight at 16,000 feet, despite receiving a weather briefing that did not indicate any potential for rough air prior to departure.
Were there any fatalities in the 7 Apr 1997 Airbus Industrie A-320-232 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Apr 1997 involved an Airbus Industrie A-320-232, registration N413UA, at Newark, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Encounter with unforecasted turbulence during cruise flight which resulted in injury to a flight attendant.
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