Incident Details
A Boeing 737 was involved in an incident during which a flight attendant sustained a fractured ankle. The event occurred after the aircraft departed and climbed to an altitude of 15,000 feet. The flight was operating in and out of clouds at the time.
Weather and Flight Conditions
The aircraft had departed into an area of known thunderstorms. The pilot reported that no significant weather radar returns were detected ahead of the airplane. However, after clearing a layer of clouds, the pilot observed a cumulus cloud that was too close to avoid. The airplane flew through the top of the cloud.
Turbulence and Injury
While inside the cloud, the airplane encountered turbulence. The turbulence caused a flight attendant located in the rear of the airplane to be thrown into the air. Upon falling, the flight attendant fractured his ankle.
Crew Actions and Company Policies
The captain had briefed the crew prior to departure. However, the briefing did not include specific comments about delaying the start of cabin service until clear of the thunderstorms, nor was such a briefing specifically required. The airline did not have a written direction for flight attendants regarding when they could leave their seats and begin cabin service.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the circumstances surrounding the flight attendant's injury. No further analysis or causal links are provided in the source.