On September 7, 1997, a British Aerospace BAE-ATP (registration N855AW) operated by United Feeder Service was involved in an aviation accident near Peru, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: sudden/unexpected encounter with clear air turbulence. 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.
During cruise at 10,000 feet, an airplane encountered clear air turbulence, injuring two flight attendants. One sustained minor injuries; the other suffered a dual compound leg fracture.
Incident Overview
An airplane encountered clear air turbulence while in cruise flight at an altitude of 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL). The turbulence event occurred approximately 40 miles from the aircraft's destination.
Injuries
Two flight attendants were in the galley at the time of the encounter and sustained injuries. One flight attendant received minor injuries, while the other suffered a dual compound fracture to her leg.
Flight Operations
After the turbulence encounter, the captain declared a medical emergency. The flight continued to its destination without further incident. The seat belt sign was off at the time of the turbulence encounter.
Weather Conditions
No SIGMETs or AIRMETs were in effect for the location where the turbulence was encountered.