Incident Details
On December 6, 2017, at about 2207 eastern standard time, Spirit Airlines flight NKS265, an Airbus 321-231 (registration N670NK), experienced severe turbulence while on approach to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (KFLL) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The flight was a regularly scheduled domestic passenger operation under 14 CFR Part 121, originating from Atlantic City International Airport (KACY) in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Sequence of Events
According to the flight crew, the turbulence occurred as the aircraft was descending through approximately 12,000 feet, shortly after entering instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). No turbulence reports had been received for the area, and the seat belt sign was already illuminated. At the time of the encounter, all five flight attendants were conducting final cabin checks. The sudden turbulence threw all of them to the floor. One flight attendant sustained an ankle injury and remained on the cabin floor for the remainder of the flight.
Aftermath
After landing, all five flight attendants were transported to a hospital. The injured flight attendant was diagnosed with a medial and posterior malleolar fracture. The aircraft was not damaged.
Injuries and Damage
One flight attendant received a serious injury (ankle fracture). The airplane sustained no damage.