What happened
On January 15, 2021, an Airbus A319-132, registration CC-CPF, was operating flight LA4011 from Rionegro to Bogotá. While cruising at FL210 within the Bogotá Terminal Area (TMA), the aircraft encountered severe turbulence approximately 4.17 NM from the ISVAT waypoint. During the event, the aircraft experienced vertical accelerations of +2.082 G and -0.508 G.
As a result of the turbulence, one flight attendant seated in the rear of the cabin (position 4R) sustained a fracture-dislocation of the left shoulder. The crew continued the flight to Bogotá, where the aircraft landed safely at 03:46 UTC. The injured crew member received medical assistance on the ground and was subsequently transported to a medical center.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation examined flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and meteorological conditions. The investigation established that the aircraft flew through an area of convective activity involving a cumuliform cloud. The crew had previously deactivated the seatbelt sign during the climb but reactivated it shortly before the encounter.
Analysis of the cockpit communications revealed that the crew was discussing meteorological reports and flight constraints just prior to the event. The investigation also reviewed the use of the aircraft's Rockwell 623 weather radar and the crew's adherence to operational procedures regarding radar tilt settings during the cruise phase.