Incident Overview
Date: Monday 30 July 1979
Aircraft Type: Boeing 747-136
Owner/operator: British Airways
Registration Number: G-BBPU
Location: North Pacific Ocean, near Danang –
ÿ Pacific Ocean
Phase of Flight: En route
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 323
Component Affected: Aircraft seat belt system and aircraft structure.Aircraft seat belt system and aircraft structure.
Category: Accident

An aircraft experienced turbulence while cruising at high altitude, resulting in a passenger being thrown from the aircraft and sustaining a broken leg.An aircraft experienced turbulence while cruising at high altitude, resulting in a passenger being thrown from the aircraft and sustaining a broken leg.
Description
While cruising at 33000 ft in cloud with search radar operating the aircraft flew without warning into an area of turbulence. The seat belt signs were immediately switched on. A check of the radar showed that it was unserviceable. A passenger standing in the rear of the aircraft was thrown into the air and broke her leg when falling.
Primary Cause
Turbulence and lack of warning during turbulence.Turbulence and lack of warning during turbulence.Share on: