Incident Overview
On July 16, 2022, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Solaseed Air Inc. as scheduled flight 41 from Naha Airport to New Ishigaki Airport encountered unexpected shaking while cruising at Flight Level 260. The aircraft, registration JA807X, was carrying 129 passengers and 6 crew members. The shaking resulted in a cabin crew member sustaining a serious injury.
Flight History
The flight departed Naha Airport at 08:24 Japan Standard Time. Pre-flight briefings indicated that turbulence was expected due to clouds around Miyako Island, and the crew planned to set cruising altitude at FL260. After takeoff, the pilot changed heading to avoid developing clouds and turned off the seat belt sign at 08:30 after assessing conditions as clear. In-flight service commenced with cabin crew delivering cold drinks on trays. At 08:35:50, the aircraft reached FL260 and then began climbing to FL280 to increase separation from clouds. At 08:36:41, as the aircraft passed over developing clouds at close range, a sudden shaking occurred.
Injuries and Damage
Cabin Crew A (assigned to the front right position) fell while exchanging trays in the forward galley and sustained a fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of the left foot, diagnosed as a serious injury. Other cabin crew members experienced falls but were not injured. All passengers remained seated and were unharmed. The aircraft sustained no damage.
Crew and Aircraft Information
The Pilot in Charge, aged 34, held an airline transport pilot certificate with Boeing 737 type rating and had 7,054 total flight hours. The First Officer, aged 27, had 1,688 flight hours. The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 manufactured in 2013, with valid airworthiness certificate. At the time of the accident, weight and balance were within limits.
Meteorological Conditions
A weather chart for 09:00 on July 16 showed a low pressure system and stationary front, with developed convection cloud zones scattered near the Nansei Islands. The pilots had visually observed clouds and used airborne radar. The shaking occurred when the aircraft passed over developing clouds that had not been anticipated at such proximity.
Post-Incident Actions
The pilot decided to continue to New Ishigaki Airport, where the aircraft landed at 09:04. Medical arrangements were requested for the injured cabin crew member.