No fatalities

Clear Air Turbulence Injures Flight Attendants During Cruise (N855AW)

Peru, IL, US

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. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Sept 1997 British Aerospace BAE-ATP accident near Peru, IL?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Sept 1997 British Aerospace BAE-ATP accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Sept 1997 involved a British Aerospace BAE-ATP, registration N855AW, operated by United Feeder Service, at Peru, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

sudden/unexpected encounter with clear air turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08808. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.