What happened
On 10 July 2019, an Emirates Airbus A380-861, registration A6-EEM, was performing a scheduled long-haul service from Auckland to Dubai. While cruising at flight level 400 over the Bay of Bengal, the aircraft encountered intense turbulence. The sudden atmospheric disturbances caused the aircraft's airspeed to surge, momentarily exceeding its maximum operating speed. During the four-minute encounter, the aircraft' and passengers were subjected to significant vertical forces. The event resulted in 27 injuries, consisting of 26 minor injuries and one serious injury to a passenger. Additionally, several interior ceiling panels in the cabin sustained damage.
The investigation
The UAE Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) conducted the inquiry, focusing on flight operations, aircraft systems, and cabin safety. Investigators examined the flight crew's response to the weather, the functionality of the aircraft's autothrust and autopilot systems during the speed excursion, and the effectiveness of cabin safety protocols. The investigation also reviewed the visibility of the seat belt sign and the communication between the cockpit and the cabin crew during the period leading up to the turbulence.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was severe turbulence-induced acceleration forces encountered in clear air within an area of convective activity.
- The flight crew did not request updated meteorological information or pilot reports as they approached the convective area.
- The flight crew failed to utilize the full manual capabilities of the weather radar to better assess the distance to the most significant weather threats.
- Although the flight crew activated the passenger seat belt sign, they did not communicate this change to the Cabin Manager to ensure the cabin was secured.
- The cabin crew were unaware that the seat belt sign had been activated, despite the audible chime and the initial flashing of the sign.
- The galley handholds in certain areas were difficult to reach during unanticipated turbulence, and some crew members in the upper deck galley were lifted from their feet and struck the ceiling.