Overview
On December 23, 2015, at approximately 0130 eastern standard time, Southwest Airlines Flight 834, a Boeing 737-700 registered as N475WN, experienced clear air turbulence during its descent for an approach to Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (KCLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger service from Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW) to KCLT. The aircraft carried a total of 142 passengers and crew members. The airplane sustained no damage, but one flight attendant suffered serious injuries.
Incident Details
At the time of the turbulence encounter, the flight attendant designated as "B" was in the process of securing the galley in preparation for landing. The turbulence caused her to be thrown into the air, and she landed on a metal part of the galley. She was unable to stand up independently afterward and required assistance from the other flight attendants.
Aftermath
Following the landing at KCLT, the injured flight attendant was transported to a local hospital. Medical evaluation revealed a broken foot. No other injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.