Flight and Precautionary Measures
The flight was crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Paris, France, to New York, New York. The flight crew had been briefed on the possibility of encountering clear air turbulence. Approximately 30 to 45 minutes prior to the encounter, the seat belt sign was turned on. Announcements were made in both French and English for passengers to fasten their seat belts. An additional announcement was made about 10 minutes before the encounter.
Immediate Events During Turbulence
Meal service was taking place in the main cabin, and the flight attendants were not seated. The airplane encountered clear air turbulence, and several unsecured passengers and flight attendants were tossed about. Additionally, two seat belt fittings failed under the loads encountered.
Metallurgical Examination of Failed Fittings
Metallurgical examination of the failed fittings found evidence of intergranular failure. A subsequent check of additional seat belt fittings revealed that they exhibited the specified metallurgy.