Summary
On August 07, 2003, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-81 (N814ME) was involved in an accident near Greeley, CO. The accident resulted in 2 serious injuries, 3 minor injuries, with 113 people uninjured out of 118 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The inflight encounter with severe turbulence.
On August 7, 2003, at 1449 mountain daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-81, N814ME, registered to and operated by Midwest Airlines, Inc., as flight 9, encountered severe turbulence 5 miles north of the Gill VORTAC, Greeley, Colorado. The 2 pilots, 1 flight attendant and 110 passengers were uninjured; however, 2 flight attendants were seriously injured and 3 passengers received minor injuries. The scheduled domestic passenger flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 121. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at San Francisco, California, at approximately 1255.
According to the captain, during cruise flight at 33,000 feet, the aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DEN03LA142. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N814ME.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the inflight encounter with severe turbulence.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On August 7, 2003, at 1449 mountain daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-81, N814ME, registered to and operated by Midwest Airlines, Inc., as flight 9, encountered severe turbulence 5 miles north of the Gill VORTAC, Greeley, Colorado. The 2 pilots, 1 flight attendant and 110 passengers were uninjured; however, 2 flight attendants were seriously injured and 3 passengers received minor injuries. The scheduled domestic passenger flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 121. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan had been filed. The flight originated at San Francisco, California, at approximately 1255.
According to the captain, during cruise flight at 33,000 feet, the aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence. The flight was deviating to the south of course to avoid weather. Upon breaking out of a cloud layer, the captain noted a cumulous cloud ahead that could not be avoided. Upon entering the cloud, the airplane encountered severe turbulence. Turbulence had not been forecasted. The seat belt sign had been illuminated for approximately 20 minutes.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN03LA142