Accident Summary
On December 25, 2019, an Airbus A320-232, registered B50001, operated by Tigerair Taiwan as scheduled flight 237 from Hakodate Airport to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, encountered severe turbulence approximately 100 km north-northeast of Miyazaki Airport, Miyazaki Prefecture, at around 16:12 JST. The aircraft was at flight level 300 (FL300) at the time.
Flight History
The flight departed Hakodate Airport at 14:17 JST with 170 persons on board: a pilot, five crew members, and 164 passengers. The pilot in command (PIC) was in the left seat as pilot flying, and the first officer (FO) was in the right seat as pilot monitoring. Prior to departure, the PIC had briefed cabin crew about potential turbulence based on weather information.
The aircraft initially climbed to FL340 but began descending to FL300 at 15:54 due to strong headwinds and performance limitations. It reached FL300 at 15:59 and entered level flight. At 16:08, the airstream became aggravated, and the FO illuminated the seatbelt sign. At approximately 16:09, the aircraft began to shake fiercely. The FO decelerated to the recommended turbulence speed and rang the seatbelt chime twice. Turbulence worsened, causing a steep climb; the FO moved the sidestick forward, disengaging the autopilot. The aircraft climbed to a maximum pressure altitude of 33,200 ft with a vertical speed of 9,300 ft/min and a roll angle of 15 degrees to the right. The FO then transferred control to the PIC, who stabilized the aircraft and returned to FL300 after receiving instructions from Fukuoka Area Control Center. The aircraft encountered turbulence for about one minute, after which conditions stabilized.
Injuries and Damage
According to the investigation, one cabin crew member sustained a serious injury (a right ankle bone fracture). A passenger and two other cabin crew members sustained minor injuries. The cabin crew member in charge (CIC) fell and sprained an ankle while walking forward to return to a crew seat after the seatbelt sign was illuminated. FA1 (covering the forward cabin area) fell near the aft galley and hurt their back. FA2 (covering the aft area) was seated in a jump seat and sustained a slight injury to the right hand. Damage included ceilings over passenger seats and door panels. No other structural or system anomalies were found that would affect flight safety.
Aftermath
After the turbulence subsided, the PIC attempted to contact the cabin crew but received no response. Using the passenger address system, the PIC instructed a crew member to come to the cockpit. Around 16:30, FA2 reported the injuries and damage. A nurse who was a passenger provided aid. The PIC, after assessing the condition of the injured CIC, decided to continue the flight to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The FO notified the airline's Operations Control Center (OCC) and requested arrangements for mechanics, ambulances, and wheelchairs upon arrival. The aircraft landed without further incident.