What happened
On July 5, 2012, a Boeing 737-800 was operating a flight from Gaziantep, Turkey, to Frankfurt/Main International Airport. While descending through FL 200, approximately 33 km east-southeast of Hof, the aircraft encountered turbulence. At approximately 13:00 local time, the aircraft was at FL 230 and experienced several turbulent episodes.
Prior to the incident, the cabin crew had activated the seatbelt signs due to the expected turbulence and had verified that passengers were secured. The crew members then proceeded to their respective jumpseats. As a flight attendant was seated in the aft galley near the right-hand service door, the aircraft encountered two consecutive turbulent bursts. The second, more intense disturbance resulted in a vertical acceleration of –0.15 g. Because the flight attendant was not restrained by a seatbelt, the force caused her to be lifted from her seat. The jumpseat collapsed, causing her to fall to the floor, which resulted in a broken right femur. The crew provided immediate medical assistance at the scene, and the aircraft continued its flight, landing safely in Frankfurt at 13:43.
The investigation
The BFU examined flight data from the aircraft's Honeywell SSFDR to analyze the vertical accelerations experienced during the descent. Meteorological data from the German Meteorological Service (DWD) was also reviewed, which indicated the presence of thunderstorms with strong updrafts and downdrafts in the area between Nuremberg and Hof. The investigation also reviewed the flight crew's licenses, medical certificates, and flight experience, as well as the aircraft's maintenance and flight history.