N50051
Airbus Industrie A-300B4-605R
The flight was cruising at FL330 in visual meteorological conditions. There were no SIGMETS for turbulence in effect. Flight attendants were working in the forward and aft galleys in preparation for meal service when the flight encountered turbulence. According to the flight data recorder, the turbulence consisted of two pulses which were separated by 8 seconds. Each pulse had a maximum value of +1.6 g's as measured on the vertical axis of the airplane. The seatbelt sign was illuminated. Three flight attendants received minor injuries and a fourth was seriously injured with a fractured ankle. Two passengers in the rear of the airplane whose seat belts were unfastened received minor injuries.
On January 7, 1997, at 0834, an Airbus Industries A300B4-605R, N50051, operated by American Airlines as Flight 2009, encountered turbulence while operating over the Atlantic Ocean. One flight attendant received serious injuries, 3 flight attendants received minor injuries, and 2 passengers received minor injuries. The remaining 252 passengers, and 5 crewmembers were not injured. The airplane received minor damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and the flight which was operated under 14 CFR Part 121, had departed Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 0800, and was destined for San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flight 2009 was cruising at FL330 (33,000 feet), about 30 miles south of Champs intersection, when it encountered the turbulence. The seatbelt sign was illuminated The injured flight attendants were working in the forward and aft galleys, in preparation for cabin service. Both passengers were seated in the rear of the airplane and had their seatbelts unfastened at the time of the turbulence. A cart in the aft galley was thrown into the air and contacted the overhead ceiling. The captain was notified of the injuries and elected to divert to John F. Kennedy Airport, Jamaica, New York, where an uneventful landing was made. The airplane then taxied to the gate where the passengers were deplaned through the jetway. One passenger and the two flight attendants who were working in the aft galley were taken to local hospitals where they were treated and released. One flight attendant was found to have a fractured ankle. There were no SIGMETS in effect for turbulence. A readout of the flight data recorder revealed that the flight had encountered two pulses which were separated by 8 seconds. Each pulse had a maximum value of +1.6 Gs, and minimum value of +0.25 Gs, as measured on the vertical axis of the airplane.
an encounter with unforecast clear air turbulence and the flight attendant's failure to use the seat belt.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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