On September 26, 1997, an Airbus Industrie A-300 (registration N14077) was involved in an aviation accident near Long Island, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The captain's failure to ensure that all passengers remained seated and fastened during a period of known or anticipated turbulence, which resulted in a passenger sustaining injuries. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A passenger suffered a dislocated ankle after being thrown from their seat during moderate clear air turbulence while the aircraft descended through flight level 260.
What happened
The captain initiated a routine descent from flight level 330 and activated the fasten seat belt sign approximately ten to fourteen minutes prior to the incident. While the airplane was passing through flight level 260, it encountered moderate clear air turbulence lasting between fifteen and twenty seconds. During this event, a passenger who was returning to their assigned seat sustained injuries due to the sudden movement of the aircraft.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the injury was the encounter with moderate clear air turbulence. Although the fasten seat belt sign had been illuminated, the passenger was not secured in their seat at the moment of impact with the turbulent air mass. The incident highlights the risks associated with moving about the cabin during descent phases when unexpected weather phenomena may occur.
Probable cause
The captain's failure to ensure that all passengers remained seated and fastened during a period of known or anticipated turbulence, which resulted in a passenger sustaining injuries.
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