The following are recent jet airliner mishaps from around the world.
In each event, at least one passenger/flight attendant was injured during
an unexpected turbulence encounter. These events include scheduled airline
flights.
Once again, turbulence strikes and this time, it is clear air turbulence
(CAT) that is to blame. This form of turbulence has been rated as one of
the most serious, causing the most injuries, principally because it can
not always be foreseen and so the cabin is given no warning. Other problems
arise because turbulence is usually felt at its mildest in the flight deck
whereas it is almost more severe in the aft section of the airplane and
so what the captain might warn as of as "moderate" may turn out, without
warnign as severe. There are countless reports of cabin attendants and
passengers alike who were moving about the passenger cabin or carring out
thier assigned duties when CAT is encountered and many serious injuries
have occurred. As a passenger, when you are in your seat keep your seat
belt fastened at all times.
August 29, 1996 - USAir - 737-300 - 4 passengers injured, 3 serious,
1 minor
During cruise at 35,000 feet the airplane encountered severe turbulence
for about 11 seconds in visual conditions with the seatbelt signs off.
Three passengers sustained serious injuries and one passenger sustained
minor injuries, and the airplane sustained some minor damage. The flight
diverted to Chattanooga to care for the injured passengers.
July 13, 1996 - American Airlines - MD-11 - 4 injuries, 1 serious, 3
minor
During descent from 35,000 feet to 24,000 feet with the autopilot engaged,
and the first officer performing the flying pilot duties. The speed brakes
had been extended full, and as the airplane neared 25,000 feet the captain
became concerned that the airplane would not stop descending at 24,000
feet. He instructed the first officer to to slow the rate of descent. The
first officer used the pitch trim wheel on the autopilot with no effect.
The captain then took control of the airplane, retracted the speed brakes,
and a few seconds later, disconnected the autopilot. The airplane immediatly
pitched up. The captain flew the airplane back to 24,000 feet. During the
pitch up one passenger received serious injuries, and one passenger and
two flight attendants sustained minor injuries. All the injured occupants
were located in the ft section of the airplane.
All information contained on these pages are public data
sources, and can be obtained from FAA, NTSB, ASRS, and news papers...
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Revised: 01 June 1999
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