ExpressJet Flight 4538 Encounters Severe Turbulence Near London, Ontario

Q: What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-09-05 involved an Embraer EMB-145LR, N16954, operated by ExpressJet Airlines, at London, Ontario, 53 nm W, CA.

On September 5, 2014, an Embraer EMB-145LR, N16954 operated by ExpressJet Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near London, Ontario, 53 nm W, CA. This summary draws on records from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

An ExpressJet Embraer EMB-145LR deviated to avoid thunderstorms, then encountered severe turbulence, lost control, and descended 4,000 feet before regaining control. No injuries or damage were reported.

Occurrence

On September 2014, ExpressJet Airlines flight 4538, an Embraer EMB-145LR (registration N16954, serial number 145072), departed Grand Rapids, Michigan, on an instrument flight rules flight to Newark Liberty International Airport. After departure, the aircraft deviated north of its desired track to avoid thunderstorms and climbed to its cruising altitude of flight level 370.

At approximately 1915 Eastern Daylight Time, the aircraft flew through a large thunderstorm and encountered severe turbulence. The flight crew lost control of the aircraft, and it descended rapidly, losing approximately 4,000 feet before the crew were able to regain control. The aircraft continued to its destination, where it landed safely. There were no reported injuries to the 3 crew members or 26 passengers, and the aircraft was not damaged.

Investigation

The occurrence was classified as a class 3 investigation, which analyzes a small number of safety issues and may result in recommendations. The investigation was conducted by the transportation safety authority.

2014-09-05: Embraer EMB-145LR, N16954 — ExpressJet Airlines — London, Ontario, 53 nm W, CA

Occurrence

Investigation

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