Summary
On January 03, 2016, a Embraer ERJ 170 100 SE (N643RW) was involved in an accident near Raleigh, NC. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 71 people uninjured out of 72 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: An encounter with turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
According to crew statements, the flight crew briefed the flight attendants (FA) that turbulence was forecast for the flight and that they would keep them updated throughout. During the first portion of the flight, the flight encountered light turbulence and occasional moderate turbulence several times and the flight crew made public address (PA) announcements each time. Later, the flight encountered unexpected turbulence and the flight crew immediately turned on the fasten seatbelt sign and made a PA announcement. During that time, a FA was stowing a beverage cart in the aft galley, and the turbulence caused the cart to bump the FAs hand.
This accident is documented in NTSB report DCA16CA041. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N643RW.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
an encounter with turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
Aircraft Information
Analysis
According to crew statements, the flight crew briefed the flight attendants (FA) that turbulence was forecast for the flight and that they would keep them updated throughout. During the first portion of the flight, the flight encountered light turbulence and occasional moderate turbulence several times and the flight crew made public address (PA) announcements each time. Later, the flight encountered unexpected turbulence and the flight crew immediately turned on the fasten seatbelt sign and made a PA announcement. During that time, a FA was stowing a beverage cart in the aft galley, and the turbulence caused the cart to bump the FAs hand. The FA continued to perform her duties and the flight landed uneventfully.
The next day, the FAs hand was painful and swollen and she was diagnosed with a broken wrist.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DCA16CA041