Casualties unknown

Turbulence Encounter Leads to Injuries After Crew Diverts Around Precipitation (N175UA)

Grand Forks, ND, US

On September 14, 1997, a Boeing 747-422 (registration N175UA) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight attendant's seat belt was not secured. A factor was turbulence in the clouds. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 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
Aircraft registered N175UA
Aircraft registered N175UA. Photo: Frank Kovalchek from Anchorage, Alaska, USA / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A flight encountered moderate chop near precipitation, injuring an unseated passenger and a flight attendant despite prior weather briefings and crew actions.

Background

Prior to departure, the flight crew received a weather briefing that included a SIGMET indicating the chance of severe turbulence along the proposed route. In anticipation of potential weather hazards, the crew took precautionary measures before entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). They activated the 'Fasten Seat Belt' signs and issued verbal instructions for passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seat belts.

Incident

During the flight, the pilot-in-command observed precipitation on radar and diverted the airplane to avoid it. However, as the aircraft came into close proximity to the precipitation, it encountered what the crew described as three to four seconds of 'moderate' chop. The sudden turbulence affected individuals who were not properly secured.

Injuries

As a result of the encounter, an unseated passenger sustained minor injuries, and a flight attendant received serious injuries. The report does not specify the nature of the injuries or the total number of occupants on board.

No additional details about the aircraft, flight number, or operator were provided in the source material.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 1997 Boeing 747-422 accident near Grand Forks, ND?

A flight encountered moderate chop near precipitation, injuring an unseated passenger and a flight attendant despite prior weather briefings and crew actions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 1997 involved a Boeing 747-422, registration N175UA, operated by United Airlines, at Grand Forks, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight attendant's seat belt was not secured. A factor was turbulence in the clouds.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08814. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.