History of the Flight
On 6 December 2024, an Airbus A380-841 (registration G-XLEI) operated a commercial passenger flight from Los Angeles International Airport to London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft climbed to Flight Level 390 for the Atlantic crossing. Pre-flight briefing documentation contained no significant weather warnings (SIGMETs) for the route. However, the North Atlantic significant weather chart valid at 1200 hrs forecast moderate turbulence south of Greenland.
In addition to pre-flight briefings, the crew had access to a live weather application on their electronic flight bags (EFBs). This app received updates via the aircraft's Wi-Fi. As the aircraft approached a forecast area of potentially severe turbulence, the commander switched on the passenger seat belt signs. He then asked cabin crew to secure equipment and take their seats. The app's live updates showed no actual turbulence traces in the previous two hours, and a nearby aircraft reported insignificant turbulence.
Approximately 20 minutes after the seat belt signs were activated, a turbulence episode lasting 10 to 15 seconds occurred. The commander perceived it as light to moderate. Recorded data showed the aircraft's speed varied by about ±13 KIAS, but the autopilot maintained control.
Cabin Injuries
During the turbulence, a cabin crew member was lowering her seat to strap in when she was lifted and fell, breaking her ankle. She informed the flight deck via interphone. Soon after, the In-flight Lead (IFL) was told that an upper-deck passenger was also injured. That passenger reported leaving his seat to use the lavatory. He said he had been asleep and did not notice the seat belt signs or announcements. While returning to his seat, a sudden upward and sideways movement caused his foot to break relative to the floor.
Two passengers who were doctors assisted by splinting ankles and administering pain relief. Cabin crew used onboard materials to create additional splints supplemented with clothing.
Decision Making
The flight crew contacted MedLink, a ground-based medical advisory service, for advice. The commander considered diverting to Gander International Airport (Canada) or Keflavik International Airport (Iceland). However, Gander's weather was below landing minima, and Keflavik's runway was contaminated with ice. After discussions with MedLink, the doctors, and cabin crew, the commander decided to continue to Heathrow. A medical 'PAN' was declared, and ATC facilitated a direct routing. Upon landing, ambulances met the aircraft and transported the three casualties to hospital.
Recorded Information
Flight data showed the aircraft was cruising at FL390 at about 270 kt when turbulence began. The seat belt sign remained on for one hour. Minimum recorded normal acceleration was 0.5g and maximum 2.1g, occurring within four seconds of each other at about 1202 hrs. For the remainder, acceleration was nominally 1±0.2g with occasional spikes.
Meteorology
The UK Met Office reported that the aircraft's position was within a large area of moderate turbulence based on Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) forecasts. The weather app on the crew's EFBs received real-time EDR information from the Turbulence Aware platform, which indicated no significant turbulence in the vicinity.
Conclusion
A crew member and a passenger sustained serious leg injuries during a brief turbulence period. The crew monitored conditions using a live weather app and instructed cabin security before the event. The event highlighted the benefits of live weather app technology and ground-based medical services in assisting crew decision making.