N69838

Unknown
Serious

BOEING 737-924ERS/N: 60121

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 24, 2015
NTSB Number
DCA16CA010
Location
Plevna, KS
Event ID
20151026X81321
Coordinates
38.008609, -98.385559
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
183
Total Aboard
185

Probable Cause and Findings

An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BOEING
Serial Number
60121
Engine Type
Turbo-fan
Year Built
2014
Model / ICAO
737-924ER
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Multi Engine
No. of Engines
2
Seats
191
FAA Model
737-924ER

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
UNITED AIRLINES INC
Address
233 S WACKER DR
City
CHICAGO
State / Zip Code
IL 60606-7147
Country
United States

Analysis

According to flight crew statements, possible moderate turbulence was forecasted for portions of the route of flight and they briefed the flight attendants (FA) of the possible turbulence. During the first portion of the flight, several areas of turbulence were encountered. The seatbelt sign was turned on during this time and the captain told the FAs to suspend service and remain seated. The flight crew requested and was cleared to a lower altitude and the turbulence subsided. After the flight was in smooth air for several minutes, the captain advised the FAs they could leave their seats but not use the carts. About five minutes later the flight again encountered moderate to severe turbulence. The captain called the cabin and discovered two FAs in the aft galley had sustained injuries during the encounter but could continue their duties to the destination. After arrival, the FAs were transported to the hospital where one was diagnosed with a tibia plateau fracture.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DCA16CA010