Incident Overview
On April 3, 2010, at 0638 central daylight time, Republic Airlines Flight 1501, an Embraer ERJ 170-100 SE (registration N869RW), experienced moderate clear-air turbulence while in cruise flight at 31,000 feet over Runnells, Iowa. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 on an instrument flight plan.
Flight Details
The flight departed Eppley Field (KOMA) in Omaha, Nebraska, at 0540, en route to General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The aircraft carried 26 passengers and a crew complement that included the flight deck crew and cabin flight attendants.
Turbulence Encounter
Air traffic control had issued multiple advisories for light-to-moderate turbulence during the flight. The airplane encountered light-to-moderate turbulence between 29,000 feet and its assigned cruise altitude of 31,000 feet. While at cruise, the captain noted a change in wind direction and speed and subsequently asked the cabin flight attendants to be seated. Shortly after this request, the aircraft encountered moderate turbulence before the flight attendants could fasten their lap belts.
Injuries and Aftermath
A cabin flight attendant who was seated but unrestrained was thrown from her seat, sustaining a hip fracture and a head contusion. The remaining flight crewmembers and all passengers were not injured. Flight recorder data indicated maximum and minimum vertical accelerations of 1.902 g and -0.199 g, respectively, during the event. The flight continued to its intended destination without further incident and was met by paramedics, who transported the injured flight attendant to a local hospital for treatment.