No fatalities

Turbulence Injures Two Flight Attendants on Climbing Flight (N917FR)

Pueblo, CO, US

On April 6, 2003, an Airbus Industrie A319-111 (registration N917FR) was involved in an aviation accident near Pueblo, CO. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N917FR
Aircraft registered N917FR. Photo: Aeroprints.com / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Apr 2003 Airbus Industrie A319-111 accident near Pueblo, CO?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Apr 2003 Airbus Industrie A319-111 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Apr 2003 involved an Airbus Industrie A319-111, registration N917FR, at Pueblo, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

in-flight encounter with turbulence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030409X00468. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.