What happened
On January 1, 2018, an easyJet Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZII, was performing a scheduled international passenger flight from Milan Malpensa to Barcelona El Prat. During the descent phase, approximately 80 NM northeast of Barcelona at flight level FL195, the aircraft was experiencing light to moderate turbulence. Although the seatbelt sign was illuminated and the cabin was secured, a flight attendant rose from their seat in the aft galley to retrieve a bottle of water.
At that moment, the aircraft encountered a sudden and significant increase in turbulence. Flight data from the Quick Access Recorder (QAR) indicated that vertical accelerations fluctuated between 0.01g and 1.66g for a period of 18 seconds. The sudden movement caused the flight attendant to fall into the aisle, resulting in a fractured right wrist. The flight crew immediately issued an emergency command for all passengers and crew to take their seats. Due to the persistent turbulence, the injured crew member was unable to return to their seat until the conditions stabilized. The aircraft completed the flight to Barcelona without further incident.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight data, meteorological reports, and testimonies from the flight crew, the injured flight attendant, and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Investigators reviewed the weather forecasts provided to the crew, which indicated a possibility of moderate to strong turbulence in the region. The investigation also analyzed the use of the onboard weather radar and the communication between the aircraft and ATC. ATC records confirmed that while moderate turbulence had been reported by other aircraft in the area, the specific transition to severe turbulence was first reported by the crew of G-EZII.
Findings
- The flight crew was properly licensed and the aircraft was fully documented and maintained.
- The aircraft was operating in an area where moderate turbulence was forecast, and the crew had been briefed on the potential for turbulence.
- The seatbelt sign was active, and the cabin was officially secured.
- The flight attendant left their seat to perform a non-essential task while the seatbelt sign was illuminated.
- A contributing factor was an excess of confidence by the crew member, who did not anticipate the sudden increase in turbulence severity.