Incident Overview
On February 14, 2016, at approximately 04:35 central standard time, American Airlines flight 476, an Airbus A319 (registration N827AW), experienced turbulence while descending toward Minneapolis International Airport (MSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. The aircraft was operating a regularly scheduled passenger flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Phoenix, Arizona, to MSP. The flight carried 100 passengers and crew. One passenger sustained serious injuries, but the airplane was not damaged.
Flight Crew Actions and Turbulence Encounter
According to the flight crew, while at FL350 and before their planned top-of-descent, Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) advised them to expect light turbulence during the descent through approximately FL280. The captain made a public address announcement informing passengers and cabin crew to expect light turbulence and to fasten their seatbelts. The seatbelt sign was illuminated at that time and had been on for most of the flight due to light turbulence.
As the aircraft descended through about FL310, the nose dipped down and airspeed increased. To avoid an overspeed, the pilot flying raised the nose and deployed the speed brakes. Shortly after, flight attendants reported that a passenger had been injured after standing up "to stretch" just before the turbulence.
Aftermath
Following landing at the gate, the injured passenger was transported to a hospital and diagnosed with a broken leg.