Flight Details
On 2 February 2020, an Emirates Airbus A380-861, registration A6-EON, operated scheduled passenger flight UAE216 from Los Angeles Airport (KLAX), United States, to Dubai International Airport (OMDB), United Arab Emirates. The aircraft carried 361 persons: four flight crew, 24 cabin crew, and 333 passengers. The flight departed KLAX at 0214 UTC and was cruising at flight level (FL) 330 over Trout Peak, Rocky Mountains, Wyoming, within the Salt Lake City Flight Information Region.
Turbulence Encounter
Approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes after departure, the aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence. The commander, who was the pilot flying, had switched the seatbelt sign off after passing FL100 during climb due to the absence of significant weather or air traffic control reports of turbulence. The turbulence began shortly after the commander initiated a climb to FL350. He immediately turned the seatbelt sign on and made a passenger announcement instructing cabin crew to take their seats.
During the turbulence event, which lasted about 1 minute and 54 seconds, the aircraft's airspeed increased but did not exceed the maximum operating Mach (MMO) speed. The autopilot and autothrust remained engaged throughout. Vertical speed varied between minus 580 and plus 1,400 feet per minute, with vertical gravitational g-loads ranging from positive 0.44 G to positive 1.63 G.
Injuries and Damage
Among the occupants, one passenger sustained a serious injury. No damage to the aircraft cabin was reported. The flight continued to its destination and landed uneventfully.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Sector of the United Arab Emirates (AAIS) classified the occurrence as an accident due to the serious injury. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) delegated the investigation to AAIS. Accredited representatives from the NTSB and the Bureau d'Enquetes et d'Analyses pour la securite de l'aviation civile (BEA) participated, with Airbus advisors assisting the BEA representative. The operator also assigned a technical expert. The investigation focused on flight operations, aircraft systems, and cabin safety aspects of the turbulence event.