Synopsis
On 16 August 2022, SriLankan Airlines flight UL127 (registration 4R-MRE, Airbus A320) experienced severe turbulence during cruise, resulting in injuries to two cabin crew members. The incident was reported to the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) via a Mandatory Occurrence Report on 18 August 2022. CAASL initiated an investigation to examine the safe operation of the return flight, UL128, with the injured crew members.
Flight History
Flight UL127 departed from Bandaranaike International Airport (VCBI) in Sri Lanka to Chennai International Airport (VOMM) in India at 1352 hours local time on 16 August 2022. At approximately 1505 hours local time, while at cruise altitude of 35,000 feet near position SAGOR, the aircraft encountered unexpected severe turbulence lasting 3 to 4 seconds. The crew had been maneuvering to avoid an isolated cumulonimbus cloud. During the turbulence, three crew members in the aft galley fell, and two were injured.
The Pilot in Command (PIC) requested medical assistance at VOMM via data link to the Flight Control Centre in Colombo. The flight continued and landed safely at VOMM. On arrival, the injured cabin crew members (CCMs) were taken to the medical center at VOMM for treatment.
Medical Treatment and Return Flight
At the medical center, the CCM assigned to the swivel seat received pain killers and a short arm splint applied to the left hand. The CCM assigned to the L2 door primary received pain killers and a short arm splint applied to the right hand. After treatment, both CCMs boarded the aircraft for the return flight UL128. The Purser did not obtain a written clarification from the doctor regarding their fitness to fly and relied on the CCMs' verbal confirmation that they were fit. The PIC stated he decided to operate the return flight with the minimum crew of four CCMs. However, during the investigation, it was revealed that the two injured CCMs had operated the return flight and were not removed from active duties. The Purser noted that both CCMs had been in splints, reducing their mobility; according to the SriLankan Airlines Safety and Emergency Procedures Manual, such crew members are considered incapacitated.
Post-Flight Medical Assessment
After returning from the flight, the two CCMs visited the SriLankan Airlines Medical Centre for further assessment. A panel doctor advised them to seek an orthopedic opinion if necessary. The investigation revealed that no proper clinical examination was conducted prior to releasing them with medical leave, and no referral was made to the Company Medical Officer authorized to perform Class II cabin crew medicals by CAASL.
Personnel Information
The PIC held a valid Air Transport Pilot Licence and had 7,391.12 total flying hours, with 697.09 hours as PIC on the Airbus A320/321. The Purser had 31 years of cabin crew experience, including 8 years as Purser. The Cabin Supervisor had 25 years of experience, and the Flight Steward had 6 years.
Investigation Findings
The investigation identified the following:
- Neither the PIC nor the Purser obtained clarification about the medical conditions of the injured CCMs from the discharge documents issued by the doctor at VOMM.
- No medical prescription or further referral was given by the doctor who examined the CCMs at VOMM.