A B777 encountered severe turbulence while descending in the clear near some thunderstorm blow off. Five flight attendants were injured and required medical attention.
Synopsis
A B777 encountered severe turbulence while descending in the clear near some thunderstorm blow off. Five flight attendants were injured and required medical attention.
Narrative
While holding inbound at 50 DME from our international destination; left hand turns only way they would allow all aircraft to turn. We were about number 10 in the holding pattern with other aircraft holding above us. Clear on inbound fix but when turning outbound you were close to cirrus precipitation blow off. Descending in the turn outbound about FL220 being banked we encountered a couple of jolts/turbulence lasting about 5 to 8 seconds. 5 coach Flight Attendants lost balance and were hurt. Seat belt sign was on. About 30 minutes from landing PA was made and then we were put in the hold. I was listening to all aircraft in the hold with us; both above and below for any complaints of turbulence as we as well as other aircraft asked for right turns instead of left but were told unable. There were no complaints from other aircraft in the hold and we were descended in 2;000 FT step-down increments. There were no thunderstorms or convective activity where we were holding. All weather was east south east of the airport; but this was probably remnants of what had past through earlier. There was nothing I could see that warranted having the Flight Attendants being seated. In hindsight I would probably err more on the better to be safe than sorry to have the Flight Attendants take their seats.
Second reporter narrative
I was Flight Attendant #10 in the aft mid-class galley preparing for landing assisting #2 with liquor cart. Suddenly without any warning we were in severe turbulence. This lasted 7-10 seconds. Everything that was loose was headed to the ceiling. This includes galley items; carts; and Flight Attendants. There were 5 Flight Attendants injured because of severe turbulence; no passengers injured. Flight Attendants were transported to the [hospital] by ambulance. I submitted a more in depth report to Airline and Union Safety Department. It is my understanding that there were thunderstorms in the area and the aircraft had been circling the airport before landing and this was our third go around. I don't know this to be a fact; but the Captain should have advised the Flight Attendants of the conditions. I do hope that he included this in his report for severe turbulence. I never heard any communications from the cockpit after the incident or PA's to the passengers before landing. I also wonder[ing] if the aircraft was checked since it was involved in 5 people injured in turbulence or allowed to return without inspection. I really feel the Captain is responsible for the entire crew; passengers and the aircraft. We should have been advised of the weather in the area; maybe we would not have had the injuries that the flight attendants sustain. Also; the Flight Attendants did an excellent job making sure all passengers were seated with seatbelts fastened that is the only reason there were no passengers injured. I can not stress the fact that the Captain is accountable for the security and safety of the aircraft; passengers and crew.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.