What happened
On February 14, 2016, at approximately 04:35 CST, an Airbus A319, registration N827AW, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Minneapolis International Airport (MSP). While cruising at FL350, the Minneapolis Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) notified the crew to expect light turbulence during their descent through approximately FL280.
In response to the advisory, the captain announced the potential for turbulence to the passengers and cabin crew. The seatbelt sign was illuminated at that time and had been active for much of the flight due to previous light turbulence. As the aircraft descended through FL310, the nose of the plane dipped and airspeed increased. To prevent an overspeed condition, the pilot flying pitched the nose up and deployed the speed brakes.
Following the turbulence, flight attendants reported that a passenger had been injured. The passenger had stood up to stretch just before the turbulence occurred. Upon arrival at the gate, the passenger was transported to a hospital where they were diagnosed with a broken leg. There were 1 serious injury and 0 fatalities among the 100 passengers and crew onboard. The aircraft sustained no damage.