On April 6, 2003, an Airbus Industrie A319-111 (registration N917FR) was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: in-flight encounter with turbulence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb at 22,000 feet, light turbulence transitioned to severe turbulence within seconds, injuring two flight attendants. The aircraft returned to the departure airport.
Incident Overview
A flight crew encountered turbulence during the climb phase, resulting in injuries to two flight attendants. The captain reported that the aircraft was climbing when it encountered light turbulence at 22,000 feet. A pilot then instructed the flight attendants to take their seats.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 30 to 60 seconds after the instruction, the aircraft experienced severe turbulence. One flight attendant suffered a fracture of two metatarsal bones in the left foot, while another flight attendant sustained minor injuries. Following the incident, the flight crew decided to return to the departure airport.
Aftermath
The aircraft landed without further incident. No additional details about the flight or airplane were provided in the source.
