What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-06-26 involved a BAE.146-100, registration G-MABR, at 160 nm NW of Nice, France at FL250, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft encountered sudden and severe turbulence while attempting to navigate between rapidly developing thunderstorm cells, leading to an uncommanded pitch change and the opening of overhead baggage compartments.

Severe turbulence encounter involving BAe 146-100 near Nice

A BAe 146-100 aircraft flying from Manchester to Nice experienced sudden, severe turbulence while navigating around weather activity, resulting in minor injuries to crew.

What happened

On 26 June 2003, a BAe 146-100, registration G-MABR, was operating a passenger flight from Manchester to Nice at flight level 250. While en route, the crew identified high-intensity thunderstorm activity directly ahead on the radar. To avoid the cells, the pilots received clearance from air traffic control to deviate eastward. During this maneuver, the seat belt sign was activated, and cabin crew instructed passengers to remain seated.

As the aircraft moved approximately 20 nm east of the primary storm cells, the crew identified a secondary, low-intensity weather return roughly 10 miles ahead. The pilots attempted to navigate between the identified weather cells. However, while clearing the area, the aircraft encountered sudden and severe turbulence. The impact was strong enough to disengage the autopilot and cause the aircraft to pitch nose-up by approximately 15 degrees. The encounter lasted roughly one minute, during which the aircraft climbed to flight level 255.

Inside the cabin, the turbulence caused significant disruption. Because the encounter was so abrupt, the senior cabin crew member was unable to reach a seat and had to crouch in the aisle. Overhead baggage lockers opened, spilling contents onto the passengers. While there were no fatalities or passenger injuries, two members of the cabin crew sustained minor injuries, and two passengers required medical attention for the distress caused by the event.

The investigation

The investigation examined the flight path and the crew's response to the radar returns. It was noted that heavy thunderstorms had been forecast for the route, and such environments often feature rapidly developing cells. The investigators looked into the mechanics of the turbulence encounter and the subsequent cabin disruptions, including the failure of the overhead locker latches to remain secure during the pitch change.

Findings

The crew attempted to navigate through a gap in low-intensity weather returns that were developing rapidly.
The turbulence was sudden and severe, preventing the cabin crew from being seated at the moment of impact.
The opening of overhead lockers was caused by the intensity of the turbulence encounter.
The operator subsequently issued a safety notice instructing cabin crew to verify that baggage does not protrude from lockers and to visually confirm that latches are fully engaged before closing.