In-Flight Turbulence Injury During Descent to Orlando (N294SK)

Incident Overview and Weather Conditions 35 to 40 minutes before landing, the flight entered a thin layer of cirrus-type clouds, resulting in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and occasional light turbulence. The captain activated the seat belt sign, which had previously been off, and informed the flight attendant of potential adverse weather near the destination. At the same time, air traffic control (ATC) advised the flight crew to amend their arrival at the destination airport. The crew requested ride conditions from the controller, who reported occasional light chop at all altitudes but no moderate turbulence. Approximately two minutes after the seat belt sign was illuminated, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence lasting about 15 to 20 seconds. The turbulence was not depicted on the weather radar display. The flight attendant ended the interphone call to check on passengers, while the first officer reported the encounter to ATC. About three minutes later, the flight attendant reported that a passenger had been injured. A medical emergency was declared, and the flight proceeded to Orlando, where an uneventful landing occurred. ## Passenger Injury and Cabin Response During level cruise with the seat belt sign off, the injured passenger and her daughter left their seats to use the lavatory. The seat belt sign was then activated, and the captain advised the flight attendant via interphone about the landing and the aircraft's rerouting. The sign had been on for at least two minutes when the turbulence occurred. The flight attendant sat down until it was safe to move, then assessed the situation. She and the passenger's daughter attempted to open the lavatory door, after which the flight attendant informed the captain. The door was opened, and another passenger helped move the injured passenger to seat 18B. The flight attendant noted an injured foot and made an announcement seeking a medically trained person on board. An emergency medical technician (EMT) and a fireman helped stabilize the foot. The cabin was prepared for landing, and after arriving at the gate, passengers deplaned with EMT assistance. ## ATC and Radar Data According to ATC information, the flight crew was in contact with the Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center. At 1454:19, a crew member reported the flight was level at flight level (FL) 280. At 1454:45, the controller cleared the flight to descend to FL 270, and at 1455:51, cleared it to descend to FL 240. At 1456:05, a crew member advised the controller that a passenger had fallen due to turbulence, and at 1456:38, reported a broken foot and declared a medical emergency. Radar data indicated the aircraft was at 27,400 feet mean sea level at about the time of the accident.