No fatalities

Moderate Turbulence Event Injures Two Flight Attendants on Flight 432 (N208AU)

Chicago, IL, US

On May 6, 1999, a Boeing 737-222 (registration N208AU) operated by Vanguard Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight attendants did not follow the cockpit crews instructions to be seated because of expected turbulence. A factor associated with the accident was the turbulence encountered. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-222
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Two flight attendants were injured, one with a broken pelvis, during a 30-second moderate turbulence encounter while descending from 17,000 feet. Seat belt sign was on and flight attendants had been instructed to be seated.

Overview

A commercial aircraft operating as Flight 432 experienced moderate turbulence for about 30 seconds while deviating around weather cells during a descent from 17,000 feet mean sea level (msl). The seat belt sign was illuminated and flight attendants had been instructed to be seated prior to the encounter.

Flight Attendant Positions and Injuries

The 'A' flight attendant stationed in the front of the aircraft was able to reach her jumpseat and secure herself. However, the 'B' and 'C' flight attendants in the rear of the cabin were not seated when the turbulence occurred. During the upset, both were thrown to the ceiling. The 'B' flight attendant suffered a cut and bruises. The 'C' flight attendant, who landed on the floor, sustained a broken pelvis.

Operational Context

No further details about the aircraft, operator, date, location, or flight phase other than descent were provided in the source. No analysis or causal factors were stated.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 1999 Boeing 737-222 accident near Chicago, IL?

Two flight attendants were injured, one with a broken pelvis, during a 30-second moderate turbulence encounter while descending from 17,000 feet. Seat belt sign was on and flight attendants had been instructed to be seated.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 1999 Boeing 737-222 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 1999 involved a Boeing 737-222, registration N208AU, operated by Vanguard Airlines, at Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the flight attendants did not follow the cockpit crews instructions to be seated because of expected turbulence. A factor associated with the accident was the turbulence encountered.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18718. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.