What happened
On 30 December 2015, an Air Canada Boeing 777-333ER, registered as C-FRAM, was performing a long-haul flight from Shanghai/Pudong Airport, China, to Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario. Approximately eight hours into the journey, while cruising at flight level 330, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence near a position roughly 85 nautical miles east-northeast of Anchorage, Alaska.
As a result of the atmospheric disturbance, 21 passengers sustained injuries, including one serious injury. Following the encounter, the crew diverted the flight to Calgary International Airport in Alberta, where the aircraft landed about two hours and 45 minutes later than originally scheduled.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the impact of the turbulence on the aircraft and its occupants. The examination of the aircraft revealed that the structural integrity of the airframe remained intact, though the interior sustained some damage. Specifically, the inspection identified damage to various interior furnishings and the failure of a V-clamp used for ducting within the Number 2 air conditioning system.