On 17 Apr 2011, a BOEING 757-2B7 operated by U.S. Airways, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cheltenham, MD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The in-flight encounter with turbulence, resulting in an injury to a cabin attendant. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Photo: Ryanmac06 at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A flight attendant sustained a serious foot injury when moderate to severe turbulence occurred during descent, despite prior cabin secure request by the captain.
Incident Overview
An air carrier flight encountered moderate to severe turbulence during its descent, resulting in a serious foot injury to one flight attendant. The event unfolded as the aircraft was descending from flight level 240, when the captain requested the flight attendants to secure the cabin and take their seats due to anticipated turbulence.
Sequence of Events
Approximately two to three minutes after the captain's request, the aircraft reached flight level 200 and experienced several seconds of moderate to severe turbulence. At that time, the flight attendants were standing and completing prelanding requirements. The turbulence caused them to lose their balance.
Injuries and Damage
One flight attendant fell and sustained a serious foot injury. The other flight attendants were not injured. The aircraft itself was not damaged during the event.
Outcome
The flight continued to its destination and landed without further incident.
