Overview
On February 24, 2011, at approximately 1700 eastern daylight time, US Airways flight 1556, an Airbus A321-211 (N162UW), encountered severe turbulence while on approach to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The flight, a regularly scheduled domestic passenger service under 14 CFR Part 121, originated from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aircraft carried 189 passengers and crew; one passenger sustained serious injuries, while the aircraft itself was not damaged.
Flight Details
The first officer was designated as the pilot flying, and the captain acted as the pilot monitoring. The flight crew reported that they were operating under instrument meteorological conditions at an altitude of 13,000 feet and an airspeed of 250 knots. The weather radar was active and displayed only green returns. The seat belt sign had been illuminated since the aircraft passed through 18,000 feet.
Turbulence Encounter
During the approach, the aircraft experienced severe turbulence and two separate lightning strikes. The crew noted that the turbulence lasted approximately 10 to 15 seconds. During this event, the aircraft lost 20 knots of airspeed, pitched violently in all three axes, and descended about 150 feet. The autopilot disengaged as a result.
Passenger Injury
While the turbulence was occurring, a passenger was exiting the mid-lavatory and sustained serious injuries. A flight attendant who was walking forward from the rear of the aircraft did not witness the fall but observed the passenger lying on the floor outside the 3L lavatory after the turbulence subsided.
Crew Response
The flight attendant immediately dropped to the floor to assist the injured passenger and instructed two male passengers seated in the exit aisle seats to secure her with their arms to prevent further injury in case of additional turbulence. She then directed another flight attendant seated in the aft galley to inform the captain of the situation. Meanwhile, the captain reported the severe turbulence to Air Traffic Control.