What happened
During a flight, the crew encountered a pocket of severe turbulence while operating at Flight Level 240. The captain reported that the aircraft had been experiencing light chop since the beginning of the flight, which necessitated keeping the seatbelt sign illuminated. After passing the London VOR on jet airway J36, the ride deteriorated significantly, prompting an immediate request for descent to Flight Level 200.
A passenger was attempting to use the right-hand aft lavatory when the turbulence hit. According to a flight attendant, the passenger had been instructed via a passenger announcement and direct verbal communication to remain seated with his seatbelt fastened due to the ongoing light chop. As the passenger was exiting the lavatory, approximately two feet from the entrance, the aircraft encountered the severe turbulence. The passenger was thrown up and down multiple times, making unsuccessful attempts to grab seats for stability. During the encounter, the passenger fell to the floor and sustained a dislocated right ankle.
Upon realizing the injury, the flight attendants notified the captain via interphone. The crew subsequently notified Air Traffic Control of a medical emergency and requested a landing at DTW with medical assistance waiting. The aircraft completed an uneventful landing, and paramedics met the aircraft at the gate via the aft airstair to assist the passenger.
Findings
- The flight attendant confirmed that the seatbelt sign was active and that passengers had been notified via the PA system to remain seated.
- The injury occurred specifically as the passenger was transitioning from the lavatory toward his seat during a period of intense turbulence.