A B737-800 Flight Attendant's back was apparently injured during descent in a severe turbulence encounter. No warning was given before the encounter.
Synopsis
A B737-800 Flight Attendant's back was apparently injured during descent in a severe turbulence encounter. No warning was given before the encounter.
Narrative
On this trip I was working as the #3 and spent most of the time in first class. Approximately 30 minutes before landing; after the fasten seatbelt sign went on; I made my way to the back of the aircraft doing a seatbelt check and picking up garbage. After reaching the back; I entered the aft right side lavatory to wash my hands. Suddenly we encountered turbulence which was immediately severe. As I was tossed about the lavatory for at least a good 20 seconds (hitting my head on the ceiling and right side hip hitting sharply on the sink area) I sat on the lavatory seat and held on waiting for it to subside. When it did somewhat; I quickly made my way to the last row and sat down. At that point I knew I had been hurt; feeling severe pain in the lower back and side. While I was sitting I felt severe pressure on the lower back region as I tried to move up from the seat. The turbulence lasted the rest of the flight. I stayed seated the remainder of the flight and received ice after landing. Paramedics then transported me to the hospital. At no time did the cockpit inform crew and passengers of impending turbulence.
Second reporter narrative
The Captain was late to aircraft and no preflight briefing was done. The crew had no indication of severe turbulence. Approximately 30 minutes before arrival; Flight Attendant #3 was walking aft completing a safety check and picking up trash. He entered lavatory to wash his hands. I was seated about to eat lunch. Suddenly the aircraft severely jolted up and down; left and right. A passenger was trying to walk to the lavatory and I told him to sit down. Passengers were screaming and crying. Flight Attendant #3 made his way out of the lavatory after about 10 minutes. He sat in a nearby seat. I asked him if he was OK and he said no. He was hurt. After a few more minutes; I crawled over him and made my way to the aft interphone. I called the #1 and told her the #3 was hurt and couldn't walk up the aisle to his jumpseat. I buckled myself into my jumpseat. The remainder of the flight was severe enough to toss me back and forth even in my jumpseat. After landing and deplaning; paramedics arrived and insisted he go to the hospital. At no time did our cockpit ever call to see if anyone was hurt.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.