Flight Narrative
On February 18, 2024, a Boeing 767-332 ER, registration N176DZ, operated a scheduled passenger flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK) to El Dorado International Airport (SKBO) in Bogotá, Colombia. The aircraft carried 2 pilots, 8 cabin crew, 216 passengers, and 1 infant. The flight was conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR) at a cruise altitude of FL350. During the descent phase, at approximately 17:55 local time (22:55 UTC) near waypoint PAPET in the Bogotá terminal control area (TMA), the aircraft encountered turbulence while passing through altocumulus and altostratus clouds. The flight crew had been monitoring the weather radar, which showed only terrain returns. They observed a cloud buildup ahead that did not appear on the radar. The crew instructed cabin crew to take seats quickly. The seat belt sign was illuminated.
After the turbulence encounter, the flight crew was notified of injuries among cabin crew and a passenger. The crew coordinated for medical assistance upon landing. The aircraft continued its descent and approach without further incident and landed at SKBO at 18:20 local time. No emergency was declared. The aircraft sustained no damage. The event was reported by the operator to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) per 49 CFR Part 830 and Colombian regulations.
Injuries
One cabin crew member suffered serious injuries: a fractured tibia and fibula. One other cabin crew member and one passenger sustained minor injuries. All other occupants (8 crew, 216 passengers) were uninjured. No fatalities occurred.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft was not damaged.
Personnel Information
The captain, aged 50, held an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and a valid first-class medical certificate. He had 10,587 total flight hours, including 192 hours on the aircraft type with the current operator. His last proficiency check was on September 16, 2023. No fatigue or physiological factors were identified.
The first officer, aged 33, also held an ATP certificate and a valid first-class medical certificate. He had 1,083 total flight hours, with 958 hours on type. His last proficiency check was on November 21, 2023.
Meteorological Conditions
The flight was conducted in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) during daylight. The investigation found no significant convective or storm development in the area. Analysis of GDAS (Global Data Assimilation System) data indicated a high probability of clear air turbulence (CAT) between 19,800 and 16,200 feet. The turbulence may have resulted from wind convergence in clear air or mountain wave (orographic) effects.
Additional Findings
A post-flight inspection revealed that the aircraft was operating in a non-airworthy condition due to a missing placard on the nose landing gear ('INFLATE TIRES WITH NITROGEN ONLY'), as required by FAA AD 87-08-09. This condition was not a contributing factor to the accident.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by an encounter with clear air turbulence (CAT) or orographic turbulence, which resulted in serious injury to a cabin crew member.