1997-12-28: Boeing 747-122 — Pacific Ocean, PO

Casualties unknown • Pacific Ocean, PO, US

Probable cause

The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure of the flight attendant to issue a safety advisory.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The flightcrew inadvertently flew into an area of clear air turbulence. Weather forecasts indicated that there was not to be turbulence in the area where it was encountered. The ability to forecast clear air turbulence over the ocean is limited. In addition, the Japanese-speaking flight attendant did not fully translate one of the captain's instructions to fasten seat belts into Japanese, although such an announcement was made and translated several times prior to the turbulence encounter. Most of the passengers spoke only Japanese.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-12-28 Boeing 747-122 accident near Pacific Ocean, PO?

The flightcrew inadvertently flew into an area of clear air turbulence. Weather forecasts indicated that there was not to be turbulence in the area where it was encountered. The ability to forecast clear air turbulence over the ocean is limited. In addition, the Japanese-speaking flight attendant did not fully…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-12-28 involved a Boeing 747-122, registration N4723U, at Pacific Ocean, PO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot-in-command's inadvertent flight into adverse weather conditions, and the difficulty of obtaining adequate weather forecasts of over-ocean turbulence. Factors contributing to the accident include the presence of clear air turbulence, and the failure of the flight attendant to issue a safety advisory.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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