Flight Diverted Following Moderate Turbulence

Casualties unknown • Springfield, VA, US

An aircraft was forced to divert to an alternate airport after encountering moderate or greater chop during its descent through 4,000 feet.

What happened

As the flight approached its destination, the aircraft entered a region of convective activity. In anticipation of potential turbulence, the first officer notified the flight attendant to secure the cabin.

While descending through 4,000 feet, the airplane encountered moderate or greater chop. During this period of instability, the flight attendant was thrown to the floor while attempting to secure the galley area.

In response to the weather conditions, the captain elected to divert the flight to another airport. The aircraft subsequently landed at the alternate airport uneventfully. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.

Weather recorded at the destination airport during the time of the event included surface winds of 17 knots, gusting to 22 knots, decreasing thunderstorms, scattered cumulonimbus clouds at 4,200 feet, a broken cloud layer at 9,500 feet, and an overcast layer at 11,000 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-10 Dornier 328-100 accident near Springfield, VA?

An aircraft was forced to divert to an alternate airport after encountering moderate or greater chop during its descent through 4,000 feet.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-10 involved a Dornier 328-100, registration N423JS, at Springfield, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An inadvertent encounter with turbulence during descent.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010423X00790. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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