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| Title: | Turbulence injuries, Boeing 777-236, G-VIIO |
| Micro summary: | This Boeing 777-236 experienced turbulence in which a passenger experienced a broken ankle and several crewmembers were injured. |
| Event Time: | 2004-08-16 at 2317 UTC |
| File Name: | 2004-08-16-UK.pdf |
| Publishing Agency: | Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) |
| Publishing Country: | United Kingdom |
| Report number: | EW/G2004/08/08 |
| Pages: | 2 |
| Site of event: | Cruise |
| Departure: | Orlando International Airport, Orlando, Florida, USA |
| Destination: | Gatwick Airport, London, England |
| Airplane Type(s): | Boeing 777-236 |
| Flight Phase: | Climb |
| Registration(s): | G-VIIO |
| Operator(s): | British Airways |
| Type of flight: | Revenue |
| Occupants: | 348 |
| Fatalities: | 0 |
| Serious Injuries: | 6 |
| Minor/Non-Injured: | 342 |
| Other Injuries: | 0 |
| Executive Summary: | The aircraft was on a scheduled flight from Orlando Airport in the USA to London Gatwick Airport. Following departure, the aircraft was climbed towards the planned cruising level of FL370. The weather radar was set to 5º UP for departure and adjusted during the climb in order to scan the area ahead. No significant turbulence was encountered during the climb; the only weather returns were to the left of the aircraft's track and no closer than 50 nm. The area ahead of the aircraft shown on the weather radar displayed only green weather returns, the lowest level of precipitation returns depicted on the display, with the previously mentioned weather to the left painting either amber or red. The aircraft was required by ATC to alter heading 10º to the right for other traffic and the commander checked the weather radar which continued to show green returns with the aircraft climbing in smooth air conditions. He discussed the requirement for the seat belt signs with the non-handling pilot and, given the length of time the passengers had been confined to their seats (almost 2 hours) and the smooth air conditions during the preceding 10 minutes, it was agreed they could be switched off. Shortly afterwards, with the aircraft climbing in IMC within cirrus cloud, the sky began to lighten. As the aircraft emerged from the cloud and as it was approaching FL320, encountered severe turbulence. The indicated airspeed was seen to decay by approximately 20 kt, momentary stick shaker activation occurred and the seat belt signs were selected ON. During the turbulence, a passenger suffered a broken ankle and five crew members received minor injuries. |
| Learning Keywords: | Operations - Turbulence |
| Consequence - Flight Attendant Fatality - Injury |
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