Casualties unknown

Flight Attendant Injured by Turbulence on Boeing 767-200 (N626DL)

Atlanta, GA, US

On May 29, 2002, a Boeing 757-200 (registration N626DL) operated by Delta Air Lines Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Turbulence encountered while deviating around cumulonimbus clouds, which caused a flight attendant to be injured despite seat belt signs being illuminated. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N626DL
Aircraft registered N626DL. Photo: Eduard Marmet / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A flight attendant sustained injuries after being thrown about the cabin due to turbulence while a Boeing 767-200 navigated around cumulonimbus clouds at 11,500 feet.

What happened

The incident occurred during the approach phase of a commercial flight operated by a Boeing 767-200. At the time, the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet while actively deviating from cumulonimbus clouds to avoid severe weather conditions. The cabin crew had illuminated the seat belt signs as a precautionary measure, and all passengers were securely seated in their assigned positions.

Despite these safety protocols, the aircraft encountered significant turbulence. A flight attendant who was in the process of preparing the cabin for landing was suddenly thrown around the rear section of the aircraft. The violent motion resulted in physical injuries to the crew member.

Probable cause

Turbulence encountered while deviating around cumulonimbus clouds, which caused a flight attendant to be injured despite seat belt signs being illuminated.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020606X00821. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.