Incident Overview
Description
An Airbus 310-300 aircraft operated by Air Transat, was conducting flight TSC258 from Montreal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl, QC (CYUL) to Barcelona/El Prat, Spain (LEBL) with 9 crew members and 205 passengers on board. During cruise flight at FL340 in the vicinity of 52N/020W, the aircraft encountered severe Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). The auto-pilot disconnected, and the aircraft gained 300 feet very rapidly. The flight crew regained control of the aircraft and descended back down to FL340. Since the flight crew had no advanced indication, the seat belt sign was off at the time of the event. Two passengers and two cabin crew members received minor injuries, while another passenger received a serious injury, and was transported to the hospital upon arrival at LEBL. All four minor injuries were treated in flight, and the two cabin crew members were able to continue with their duties.The aircraft was inspected by the operator?s maintenance upon arrival at LEBL, and was released back to service.
Primary Cause
Severe Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) caused by rapid altitude loss during flight.Severe Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) caused by rapid altitude loss during flight.Share on:
