Synopsis
On 13 September 2015, an Emirates Airbus A380, registration A6-EEA, operating flight EK806 from Jeddah to Dubai, encountered turbulence approximately 20 minutes before landing. The cabin crew were securing the cabin in preparation for landing when the aircraft entered a cloud and experienced localized turbulence lasting three to four seconds. The seat belt sign had been switched on as the aircraft descended through flight level 300.
Flight History
The flight departed from King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was en route to Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates. During the descent phase, the aircraft encountered a g-load due to turbulence. After the event, the commander checked the passenger cabin and was informed by the senior cabin crew member that one crew member had sustained an injury. The injured crew member, who was stationed at the upper right door 1 (UR1) position, was removed from duty and seated in a passenger seat for the remainder of the flight. The aircraft landed normally.
Injuries
A medical examination revealed that one cabin crew member had sustained a fracture to the right ankle. Nine other cabin crew members reported minor injuries.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) of the UAE conducted the investigation. The report notes that the aircraft encountered localized turbulence during descent, leading to the injuries. No specific cause or contributing factors were identified in the provided source.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The aircraft was an Airbus A380-800, registered as A6-EEA, operated by Emirates. The flight was under standard operating procedures at the time of the event.