Cabin Crew Member Sustains Fractures During Severe In-Flight Turbulence

Casualties unknown • About 16,700 ft During Climb over Yesan, Chungnam, KR

A cabin attendant on an Asiana Airlines flight suffered a fractured ankle after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during its climb near Yesan, South Korea.

What happened

On 28 May 2021, an Asiana Airlines B767-300, registration HL7528, was climbing through approximately 16,700 feet near Yesan, Chungnam, when it encountered severe turbulence. The flight, which had departed from Gimpo International Airport en route to Jeju, was experiencing unstable air currents following a period of rainfall.

Prior to the event, the captain had identified potential turbulence and activated the passenger seatbelt sign. During the climb, a cabin attendant attempted to check on a passenger who had remained in the lavatory despite requests to return to their seat. As the attendant moved through the cabin to assist the passenger, the aircraft experienced an abrupt vertical acceleration, with the load factor reaching a maximum of 1.86G. The sudden movement caused the attendant to lose her balance and fall, resulting in multiple fractures to her left ankle.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the encounter with turbulence on the aircraft's flight corridor during climb. Contributing factors included the pilot's insufficient effort to avoid the turbulence and the cabin crew member's failure to utilize proper self-protection techniques during the encounter.

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Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2021-05-28 aircraft accident near About 16,700 ft During Climb over Yesan, Chungnam, KR?

A cabin attendant on an Asiana Airlines flight suffered a fractured ankle after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence during its climb near Yesan, South Korea.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2021-05-28 involved a aircraft, registration HL7528, operated by Asiana Airlines Inc., at About 16,700 ft During Climb over Yesan, Chungnam, KR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the encounter with turbulence on the aircraft's flight corridor during climb. Contributing factors included the pilot's insufficient effort to avoid the turbulence and the cabin crew member's failure to utilize proper self-protection techniques during the encounter.

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