Boeing 737-8AS (WL)

Incident Overview

Date: Saturday 31 July 2021

Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-8AS (WL)

Owner/operator: Ryanair

Registration Number: EI-EPC

Location: near Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN/LEBL) – ÿ Spain

Phase of Flight: Approach

Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 178

Component Affected: Aircraft Control System (specifically autopilot and vertical acceleration)Aircraft Control System (specifically autopilot and vertical acceleration)

Investigating Agency: CIAIACCIAIAC

Category: Accident

On October 26, 2023, a Boeing 737-8AS aircraft (EI-EPC) experienced a sudden and unexpected turbulence event during descent near Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (LEBL) in Spain. The aircraft was operating under Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) MATEX 2E, scheduled for landing on runway 07L. The flight crew observed cumulonimbus clouds and initiated an adjustment to the flight path to avoid the turbulence. The pilot engaged the autopilot, pitched the nose upwards, and increased speed to the maximum operating speed (VMO). During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden and significant increase in vertical acceleration, reaching approximately 3.09g. The cabin crew, unprepared for the sudden change, was thrown against cabin components, resulting in injuries to several crew members and a passenger. Following the turbulence, the crew requested an ambulance due to incapacitation, and the injured individuals were transported to a hospital. The investigation determined that the pilot?s actions ? specifically, the attempted exceeding of the VMO ? were the primary cause of the accident, leading to injuries to the passenger and two cabin crew members. The operator implemented enhanced training on turbulence management and overspeed prevention.On October 26, 2023, a Boeing 737-8AS aircraft (EI-EPC) experienced a sudden and unexpected turbulence event during descent near Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (LEBL) in Spain. The aircraft was operating under Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) MATEX 2E, scheduled for landing on runway 07L. The flight crew observed cumulonimbus clouds and initiated an adjustment to the flight path to avoid the turbulence. The pilot engaged the autopilot, pitched the nose upwards, and increased speed to the maximum operating speed (VMO). During this maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden and significant increase in vertical acceleration, reaching approximately 3.09g. The cabin crew, unprepared for the sudden change, was thrown against cabin components, resulting in injuries to several crew members and a passenger. Following the turbulence, the crew requested an ambulance due to incapacitation, and the injured individuals were transported to a hospital. The investigation determined that the pilot?s actions ? specifically, the attempted exceeding of the VMO ? were the primary cause of the accident, leading to injuries to the passenger and two cabin crew members. The operator implemented enhanced training on turbulence management and overspeed prevention.

Description

The Boeing 737-8AS aircraft bearing registration number EI-EPC left Fez Airport (GMFF) in Morocco and made its way to Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (LEBL) in accordance with Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) MATEX 2E. It was scheduled to land on runway 07L. During the descent, the flight crew observed the presence of cumulonimbus on the weather radar and asked ATC to adjust the flight?s intended track in order to avoid the cloud. The captain then informed the cabin crew of the possibility of turbulence during the approach and asked them to proceed to secure the cabin. The aircraft continued its descent and entered an area of undetected turbulence that lasted for around two minutes, during which time the aircraft?s speed increased until it approached the maximum operating speed (VMO). In order to reduce speed, the pilot flying (PF) disengaged the autopilot and pitched nose up. Vertical acceleration of +3.09 g was recorded at that moment. One second later, he moved the control column in the opposite direction, lowering the aircraft?s nose and recording vertical acceleration of -0.18 g. While this was happening, the cabin crew members were on their feet and beginning the task of securing the cabin. As they did not have enough time to sit down or secure themselves, they were thrown against various parts of the cabin and fell to the floor. After the aircraft had passed through the area of turbulence, one of the cabin crew members asked the flight crew to request an ambulance upon arrival at the airport, as two of the cabin crew members had been incapacitated. Upon landing at Barcelona Airport, the injured cabin crew members were attended by the airport?s medical service. In addition to the injured cabin crew members, one passenger also suffered head wounds. All of the injured parties were taken to hospital. One cabin crew and one passenger suffered serious injuries. The investigation has concluded that the probable cause of the accident was the series of actions taken by the PF to prevent the aircraft from exceeding the VMO while it was flying through an area of turbulence. This resulted in vertical acceleration that injured a passenger and two cabin crew members. After carrying out an internal safety investigation into the accident, the operator reinforced the flight crew?s training on the subject of turbulence and overspeed.