What happened
While operating at 5,000 feet in a broken cloud layer characterized by light rain and turbulence, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence lasting approximately one second. During this event, several passengers struck their heads on the cabin ceiling. One passenger reported hearing sounds similar to small pebbles dropping onto the plane and observed mist streaming upward across the windshield.
Prior to the encounter, the pilot had advised passengers that the flight would be bumpy and instructed them to keep their seatbelts fastened. Following the turbulence, the pilot avoided all clouds and requested medical assistance for the injured individuals. The aircraft subsequently completed an uneventful landing.
The investigation
An examination of weather radar images indicated that the aircraft was positioned near VIP Level 1 to Level 4 radar returns at the time of the occurrence. Additionally, a passenger noted that shortly after the event, a previously blank screen in the cockpit became active, displaying green blobs similar to radar imagery.