Incident Overview
On July 26, 2016, at 5:00 pm eastern daylight time, Republic Airlines flight 3458, an Embraer 170 (registration N655RW), encountered turbulence during descent at approximately 16,500 feet. The flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) in Cleveland, Ohio. There were 53 passengers and crew members onboard. One flight attendant sustained a serious injury, while the airplane was not damaged.
Flight Crew Report
According to the flight crew, upon initial contact with Cleveland approach control, the controller advised of moderate turbulence. The first officer was in the process of notifying the cabin when the aircraft encountered turbulence. The crew reported that the duration of the turbulence was only a few seconds.
Injury and Response
A flight attendant working in the aft galley fell and broke her left tibia. A medical doctor who was on board provided assistance. The flight crew notified operations to have emergency medical services meet the flight. The airplane landed without further incident.