What happened
On 27 January 2003, an Airbus A300B4-605R, registration G-MONR, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Bahrain to London Gatwick Airport. While cruising at flight level 280, the aircraft encountered light clear air turbulence (CAT). In response, the commander activated the seat belt sign, and cabin crew verified that all passengers were secured.
Approximately five minutes later, the aircraft entered a zone of severe turbulence. The sudden atmospheric disturbance caused the aircraft to climb rapidly, prompting the commander to disengage the autopilot to maintain manual control of the airspeed. During this period of instability, the aircraft's altitude fluctuated between flight level 278 and 283. The intensity of the turbulence caused cabin crew and service trolleys to be displaced within the cabin.
Despite the disturbance, no structural damage was identified. Medical professionals among the passengers provided treatment to 3 crew members with minor injuries and 1 passenger with a serious injury, though no immediate hospitalisation was required. The flight continued to its destination, where it landed without further incident.
The investigation
An investigation by the AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the aircraft's performance. Analysis of the flight data revealed that the aircraft was subjected to vertical accelerations ranging from a maximum of +2.08g to a minimum of -0.24g over a two-second interval.
Investigators also reviewed meteorological data and onboard systems. It was noted that there had been no forecast for clear air turbulence in the affected area. Furthermore, the aircraft's onboard radar showed no significant weather along the flight path, although thunderstorm activity had been sighted approximately 50 miles from the aircraft's position. Following the event, a Phase 1 Severe Turbulence check was performed on G-MONR, which confirmed the airframe remained intact with no damage found.