What happened
On 18 October 2023, an Oman Air Boeing 787-9, registration A4O-SH, was operating a scheduled international flight from Muscat International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle. While climbing through the Muscat FIR, the aircraft encountered a sequence of turbulent weather.
After passing 10,000 feet, the flight crew switched the seat belt sign to the "ON" position due to the presence of towering cumulus clouds ahead. During the climb, the aircraft first encountered light turbulence while passing FL246. Approximately one minute and 29 seconds later, at 10:37 UTC, the aircraft passed through FL278 and experienced severe turbulence with a vertical acceleration of 2g.
At the time of the severe encounter, cabin crew were performing beverage services. The sudden movement caused several incidents in the cabin: one crew member lost their balance and fell, another crew member was injured in the arm, and a third crew member lost control of a service cart, which subsequently fell near the galley. Additionally, some glassware and plates fell and broke. The aircraft recovered from the turbulence after passing FL286 and continued to its destination, landing safely in Paris.
The investigation
The Oman Transport Safety Bureau (OTSB) conducted an investigation into the occurrence. The investigation examined flight data monitoring (FDM) records, air traffic control radar data, and satellite imagery. Investigators reviewed the aircraft's flight path, noting that other aircraft on the same track had previously diverted to avoid weather in the area. The investigation also analyzed meteorological data, including wind shifts and cloud formations, as well as cabin crew procedures and the use of the weather radar system.