Summary
On October 24, 2015, a Boeing 737-924ER (N69838) was involved in an accident near Plevna, KS. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury, with 183 people uninjured out of 185 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
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.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DCA16CA010. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N69838.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
An inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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