Incident Details
During climb-out, at approximately 25,000 feet, a flight attendant sustained an injury when the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence. The flight attendant was standing in the aft galley, preparing to provide cabin service.
Weather Conditions
Before departure, the captain received a weather package indicating that cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorm activity would build up to 33,000 feet along the intended route. During the climb, the flight crew visually observed cumulus buildups and confirmed their presence using the onboard weather radar.
Flight Path Deviation
The flight crew requested and obtained an air traffic control clearance to deviate to the right to avoid the building cumulonimbus clouds. This deviation placed the aircraft directly downwind of the buildups, potentially in the vicinity of turbulent eddies. The turbulence event occurred after the flight diverted around a primary buildup and entered a secondary buildup that had been partially masked by the primary one.
Aftermath
The flight crew diverted to the nearest airport, where the injured flight attendant was transported to a hospital. The aircraft departed for its intended destination approximately 30 minutes later.