What happened
On 12 November 2003, an ATR42-300, registration G-SSEA, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Cardiff to Dublin. While operating approximately 50 nm south south-east of Dublin, the aircraft entered cloud cover and encountered light turbulence. In response, the commander activated the cabin seat belt signs, and the single cabin crewmember on board proceeded to secure the cabin.
Shortly after the cabin was secured, the aircraft was struck by a period of severe turbulence lasting between 10 and 20 seconds. The force of the movement threw the crewmember across the galley, causing her to strike both the bulkhead and the cabin ceiling before falling to the floor. Following the turbulence, the crewmember was able to reach her seat and fasten her harness, though she experienced significant difficulty breathing and physical pain.
After the flight landed at Dublin airport, the crewmember was attended to by the First Officer and subsequently transported to a hospital. The incident resulted in one serious injury to the crewmember, while no passengers were harmed. The aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the sequence of events and the operational environment during the turbulence encounter. The investigation noted that while light turbulence had been forecast, an aircraft traveling in the opposite direction had reported no such conditions, suggesting the severe encounter was unexpected.
The investigators also reviewed the company's operational procedures, noting that the crewmember had followed the initial steps for securing the cabin. However, the investigation highlighted the risks associated with the rapid transition from light to severe turbulence, particularly when a crewmember remains standing after the initial light vibrations.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was the sudden onset of severe turbulence which physically displaced the unsecured crewmember.
- The crewmember had remained standing in the galley because the initial turbulence was only light.
- The presence of only one cabin crewmember meant that any injury to that individual could potentially compromise safety during a subsequent emergency.
- There was a noted increase in reported cabin crew injuries during turbulence in the year 2003.