Incident Overview
On March 5, 2009, at approximately 0820 Japan Standard Time, an Air France Boeing 777-200, registered as F-GSPD, experienced a turbulence encounter while flying near Niigata, Japan. The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of about 25,000 feet at the time of the event.
Injuries and Damage
As a result of the turbulence, two flight attendants sustained serious injuries. All passengers and the remaining crew members were uninjured. The extent of damage to the aircraft, if any, was not detailed in the initial report.
Investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) is leading the investigation into the incident. Under the provisions of ICAO Annex 13, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assigned a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist, given the United States is the country of design and manufacture for the Boeing 777-200.
Contact Information
Inquiries regarding the incident should be directed to the Japan Transport Safety Board:
Japan Transport Safety Board Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism 2-1-2, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 100-8918 Japan Website: http://www.mlit.go.jp/jtsb/english.html