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Boeing 737-700 Turbulence Incident at Orlando International Airport

Valdosta, GA, United States

On February 23, 2008, a Boeing 737-700 operated by Southwest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Valdosta, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An unexpected encounter with turbulence, while on approach for landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-700
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 737-700 encountered unexpected moderate turbulence at 30,000 feet while on approach to Orlando International Airport, injuring a flight attendant.

Incident Overview A Boeing 737-700 was operating at an altitude of 30,000 feet while on the PIGLT1 arrival procedure to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, Florida, when it encountered unexpected turbulence. The pilot flying reported that the turbulence was at least moderate in intensity and lasted for approximately 10 seconds. The autopilot remained engaged during the event. The seat belt sign was illuminated, and the flight attendants were in the process of securing the cabin for landing. One flight attendant was thrown against a wall and sustained a fractured ankle. The aircraft subsequently landed at MCO without further incident.

Contributing factors

Turbulence
Weather

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

  • 17 May 2026 — BOEING 737-8 (Southwest Airlines)
  • 15 Apr 2026 — Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Southwest Airlines)
  • 12 Sep 2025 — Boeing 737-7H4 (WL) (Southwest Airlines)
  • 14 Jun 2025 — Boeing 737-7H4 (WL) (Southwest Airlines)
  • 20 Apr 2025 — Boeing 737-7H4 (WL) (Southwest Airlines)

More Boeing 737 safety records →

All Boeing 737-700 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 2008 Boeing 737-700 accident near Valdosta, GA?

A Boeing 737-700 encountered unexpected moderate turbulence at 30,000 feet while on approach to Orlando International Airport, injuring a flight attendant.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Feb 2008 Boeing 737-700 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 2008 involved a Boeing 737-700, operated by Southwest Airlines, at Valdosta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An unexpected encounter with turbulence, while on approach for landing.

More accident analyses