Incident Overview

Date: Thursday 1 December 2011
Aircraft Type: Boeing 757-222
Owner/operator: United Airlines
Registration Number: N547UA
Location: Modesto Three STAR, ELCAP intersection, Yosemite Nat’l Park, CA – ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: Approach
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 152
Component Affected: Flight seat belt sign, the airplane’s flight controls and systems, and the flight attendant’s leg.Flight seat belt sign, the airplane’s flight controls and systems, and the flight attendant’s leg.
Investigating Agency: NTSBNTSB
Category: Accident
A commercial flight experienced moderate-to-severe turbulence at FL 300, resulting in a flight attendant sustaining a broken ankle. The captain requested a lower altitude to mitigate turbulence effects.A commercial flight experienced moderate-to-severe turbulence at FL 300, resulting in a flight attendant sustaining a broken ankle. The captain requested a lower altitude to mitigate turbulence effects.

Description

While en route at flight level (FL) 360, the captain of the commercial air carrier flight requested and was granted a lower altitude (FL 300) to minimize the effect that turbulence was having on the airplane. After the captain received pilot reports indicating that varying degrees of turbulence, mountain wave activity, and low-level windshear existed, he illuminated the seat belt sign and made an announcement for the passengers to be seated. The flight crew then advised the cabin crewmembers of possible turbulence and instructed them to prepare the cabin for landing, stay near their seats, and be seated immediately if turbulence was encountered. About 7 to 10 minutes later, while the airplane was at FL 300, the flight encountered moderate-to-severe turbulence. A flight attendant who was in the lavatory when the turbulence was encountered sustained a broken ankle after being thrown in the air twice. Probable Cause: The flight’s encounter with known severe turbulence associated with mountain wave activity, which resulted in a flight attendant sustaining a broken ankle.

Primary Cause

Mountain wave activity caused by turbulence, leading to a significant turbulence event.Mountain wave activity caused by turbulence, leading to a significant turbulence event.

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