What happened
The captain began a descent from flight level (FL) 290 and activated the fasten seatbelt sign. As the aircraft reached FL 240, the air became choppy. Following this, the flight attendants were instructed to clean up the cabin and take their seats, accompanied by a passenger announcement regarding potential turbulence.
At approximately FL 230, all flight attendants were notified to be seated. The aircraft encountered severe turbulence for approximately five seconds at FL 220. A second instance of severe turbulence, lasting about five seconds, occurred two to three minutes later.
During the second encounter, one flight attendant stopped while heading to her seat to instruct a passenger who had not fastened their seat belt. The aircraft encountered turbulence during this interaction, causing the flight attendant to be thrown about the cabin. The other flight attendant notified the crew that a crew member had been injured. The captain instructed the remaining flight attendant to assist the injured person into her seat and then return to her own seat.
Air traffic control was notified of the turbulence and the need for medical assistance upon arrival. Company flight operations in Fresno were also informed. Upon reaching the gate, all passengers deplaned without incident. Paramedics boarded the aircraft to treat the injured flight attendant, and subsequent x-rays confirmed she had sustained one fractured ankle.