Incident Overview
On February 13, 2017, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft operated by Commutair as a scheduled passenger flight encountered turbulence while descending toward Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The flight, which originated in Fayetteville, North Carolina, experienced an event that resulted in a serious injury to one of the flight attendants. The airplane sustained no damage, and no other occupants were injured.
Sequence of Events
According to the operator, the flight was in smooth conditions during the cruise and initial descent phases. The captain reported that after completing the before-landing checklist at 4,000 feet, approximately 50 miles south of IAD, the aircraft entered a "pocket" of moderate turbulence. This caused a descent rate of about 600 feet per minute and an altitude loss of roughly 400 feet. The captain then called the cabin to check on the passengers and crew, and was informed that the flight attendant had injured her leg and could not walk.
Injuries and Response
The flight attendant stated that she was in the final stages of preparing the cabin for landing when the turbulence occurred. Passengers on board assisted her until the aircraft landed. Upon arrival at the gate, paramedics met the aircraft. The flight attendant was later diagnosed with a broken ankle.
No other injuries were reported, and the aircraft remained undamaged.