Incident Overview
On July 11, 2009, at about 1010 eastern daylight time, a passenger aboard N120HQ, an Embraer ERJ-170-20, received a broken ankle when the airplane encountered turbulence while on approach to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indianapolis, Indiana. The airplane was undamaged. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as Republic Airlines flight 3143. The flight was conducted in instrument meteorological conditions on an instrument flight rules flight plan. No other passengers or crew members were injured.
Flight Sequence
The flight originated from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., at 0835. According to the operator's report, the airplane was on final approach about 15 nautical miles northeast of IND at an altitude of 6,000 feet above mean sea level when the incident occurred. The report noted continuous light turbulence with occasional moderate turbulence. The seat belt sign was illuminated throughout.
Cabin Events
A cabin attendant reported that the captain had made three separate announcements advising passengers to remain seated prior to the incident. The attendant stated that the passenger left his seat to use the lavatory; she instructed him to return and fasten his seat belt, and he complied. Approximately 4 to 5 minutes later, the passenger again left his seat to use the lavatory. The attendant again informed him that it was not safe to be out of his seat and that he should return. The passenger did not comply and entered the lavatory. While returning to his seat, the airplane encountered moderate turbulence, and the passenger fell, resulting in a broken ankle.
Captain's Report
The captain stated that the seat belt sign was illuminated and that he had made three announcements about expected turbulence and the need for passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened for the remainder of the flight. He also noted that he had instructed the flight attendants to remain seated when the airplane was about 100 miles from IND.