Incident Overview
Description
Aircraft encountered moderate to severe turbulence over the South China Sea. A cabin attendant was seriously injured (with fractured wrists). CONCLUSIONS – The PIC could have cycled the fasten seat belt switch too quickly which resulted in only one chime being generated in the cabin. Since he did not make an announcement and with only one chime generated in the cabin, the cabin crew thought that the switching on of the seat belt signs was only for an impending light turbulence or a precautionary measure and reacted accordingly. – The system of using the number of chimes generated by cycling the fasten seat belt switch to advise the cabin crew to cease cabin service and be seated is not robust as the number of chimes may depend on how fast the switch is being operated. – The information in the operator?s crew procedures regarding turbulence could be better organised. However, this is not a factor in the occurrence.
Primary Cause
PIC cycling the fasten seat belt switch too quickly.PIC cycling the fasten seat belt switch too quickly.Share on:
