Flight History
On August 5, 2009, about 2315 eastern daylight time, a Boeing of Canada/De Havilland Division DHC-8-311, registration N328EN, operated by Piedmont Airlines as flight 4260 (dba US Airways Express), experienced an in-flight encounter with turbulence near Fayetteville, North Carolina. The aircraft was on a scheduled domestic passenger flight under 14 CFR Part 121 from Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), New Bern, North Carolina. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed. The flight departed CLT at about 2301 with an airline transport certificated captain, a commercial certificated first officer, one flight attendant, and 30 passengers. The airplane was not damaged, and no injuries were reported among the captain, first officer, or passengers. The flight attendant sustained serious injuries.
After leveling off at 14,000 feet mean sea level, the flight crew decided to allow the flight attendant to begin beverage service. Shortly thereafter, they observed a cloud layer approximately 10 miles ahead and requested clearance to climb to 17,000 feet from air traffic control, but were denied due to conflicting traffic. The captain instructed the flight attendant to suspend service and be seated due to potential turbulence. As the airplane entered the cloud layer, the crew was directed to turn right 80 degrees toward a navigation fix, executed with the autopilot engaged. After completing about 60 degrees of the turn, the first officer noted a small weather cell on the radar directly ahead and turned an additional 30 degrees to avoid it.
The flight attendant reported that she began stowing the beverage cart as instructed. When she attempted to release the cart brake, the aircraft encountered turbulence, later described by the flight crew as moderate, lasting approximately 15 seconds. The flight attendant said she became airborne along with the cart and heard a crunch sound upon landing. She crawled to the intercom and informed the captain that she believed she had broken her ankle. Two passengers assisted by securing the cart, and the flight attendant made required safety announcements. The crew declared an emergency, and the flight proceeded to EWN without further incident. The flight attendant was transported to a hospital and diagnosed with compound fractures of the left tibia and fibula.
Meteorological Conditions
A surface observation at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport at 2252, about 23 minutes before the event, reported visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 5,500 feet, broken clouds at 16,000 feet, and overcast at 25,000 feet. Temperature was 23°C, dew point 19°C, altimeter 29.99 inHg.
At Fayetteville Regional Airport, a surface observation at 2253, about 22 minutes prior, reported visibility 10 statute miles, broken clouds at 2,400 and 5,500 feet. Temperature was 27°C, dew point 20°C, altimeter 29.97 inHg.
Communications
The flight crew was in contact with Washington Air Route Traffic Control Center. No communication difficulties were reported.
Flight Recorders
The aircraft was equipped with a flight data recorder, but it was not read out by Safety Board personnel.
Postaccident Testing
Postaccident operational testing of the weather radar system was performed by company maintenance personnel per the airplane maintenance manual. The system checked good.