Incident Overview
A flight crew reported being in clear conditions between flight level (FL) 220 and FL 240 while following another aircraft. The radar range was set alternately to 20–40 and 80 miles, and the seat belt sign was illuminated. All weather activity was observed off the left wing to the north. The other pilot, located ahead, requested a vector when the crew experienced an unforecasted encounter with weather, described as turbulence. Shortly thereafter, the crew was informed that a flight attendant had been injured. In response, the flight diverted back to its departure airport.
Sequence of Events
According to the report, the pilot was flying in visual conditions and maintaining separation from another airplane ahead. The radar display was toggled between short and longer ranges to monitor traffic and weather. The seat belt sign remained on, indicating potential for turbulence. Weather was noted to be absent from the flight path, lying to the north. While the other aircraft requested a vector, the crew suddenly encountered turbulence that was not forecasted. The encounter resulted in an injury to a flight attendant. No further details about the nature or severity of the injury were provided. The decision was made to return to the origin airport rather than continue to the destination.
Operational Context
The incident occurred during cruise at an altitude between FL220 and FL240. The presence of the seat belt sign suggests that the crew had anticipated possible turbulence, though the specific encounter was unforecasted. The diversion indicates that the injury necessitated a return for medical attention or evaluation.