Incident Overview
A passenger sustained a serious injury during a flight when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. The event occurred as the passenger was exiting the aft lavatory. According to the passenger's account, there was no warning of turbulence, no illuminated seatbelt sign, and no voice announcement while they were in the toilet. The passenger described being thrown up and down multiple times, unable to grasp seats, and ultimately falling to the floor, resulting in a completely dislocated right ankle.
Flight Crew Account
The Captain reported that the seatbelt sign was on from the beginning of the flight due to light chop. As the ride deteriorated at Flight Level 280, the aircraft descended to FL240, where conditions remained light chop until a point past the London VOR on jet airway J36. At that moment, they encountered a pocket of severe turbulence. The Captain immediately requested a descent to FL200, and the ride smoothed out after passing through that level. Flight attendants then reported a man exiting the aft lavatory had injured his foot. The crew notified Air Traffic Control of a medical emergency and requested landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) with medical assistance on arrival. An uneventful landing was made, and paramedics boarded via the aft airstair at the gate to assist the injured passenger.
Flight Attendant Statements
A flight attendant stated that the passenger got up and came to the back. She informed him that the seatbelt sign was on and he should remain seated. The passenger continued to the right-hand bathroom. Another flight attendant then made a public address from the aft cabin, instructing passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened. About one to two minutes after that announcement, the passenger exited the lavatory. The flight attendant again told him to take a seat. As he moved toward row 30, seat D, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence.