What happened
On November 7, 2022, an ATR 72-212A operated by Japan Air Commuter, registration JA06JC, arrived at Kagoshima Airport following a scheduled flight from Tanegashima Airport. The landing on Runway 34 appeared routine to the flight crew, with no significant turbulence or unusual flight characteristics reported.
During the disembarkation process, cabin crew noticed a passenger in seat 7A complaining of lower back pain. While the passenger initially walked to the terminal, subsequent medical examinations and MRI scans revealed a lumbar compression fracture at the L2 vertebrae. The passenger had been sleeping during the touchdown and was not in a braced position for the impact.
The investigation
The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) examined the aircraft's Quick Access Recorder (QAR) and interviewed the flight and cabin crews. The investigation focused on the vertical acceleration at the moment of touchdown, the meteorological conditions at Kagoshima Airport, and the physical state of the aircraft and its seating.
Investigators also reviewed the passenger's medical history and the circumstances surrounding their seating. It was noted that the passenger had a history of similar spinal fractures and typically utilized a lumbar support belt. However, to avoid triggering airport security sensors, the passenger had opted not to wear the belt during this flight.
Findings
- The weather at the time of arrival was stable, with light crosswinds of 3 to 4 knots and good visibility.
- QAR data recorded a vertical acceleration of +1.53 G at landing, which the crew described as a normal landing without a hard impact.
- The aircraft and its passenger seats were found to be in proper working order with no mechanical defects.
- The passenger's lack of lumbar support and failure to adopt a braced posture due to sleeping were identified as the primary factors in the injury.