NTSB Releases Final Report Of Envoy Air Embraer E170 Turbulence Incident Caused Serious Injuries To Crew
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on an Envoy Air turbulence accident last year, which seriously injured a flight attendant. The report concluded the probable cause to be a severe bout of clear air turbulence (CAT) as the aircraft performed its initial descent into Chicago O’Hare.
Envoy Air severe turbulence approaching Chicago
On August 14th, 2023, a flight attendant suffered a fractured ankle after an Envoy Air Embraer ERJ-170 performing flight AA3788 from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) ran into severe clear air turbulence during its approach to Chicago. The flight had 64 passengers onboard, as well as two pilots and two flight attendants.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
According to the NTSB’s final report, the flight crew knew of a “buildup of weather” on their route and kept the fasten seatbelt sign on for the duration of the flight. Additionally, the pilots informed the cabin crew that, due to the possibility of turbulence, they should take caution and only provide service during the flight at their discretion. The cabin crew chose not to perform this service and would remain seated for most of the flight.
After being advised by Air Traffic Control (ATC) that it was safe to descend to 11,000 ft as the flight neared Chicago, pilots initiated a descent and advised cabin crew to prepare the aircraft. During the descent, pilots noticed a “small cumulous cloud” ahead and the aircraft encountered turbulence at an altitude of 26,650 ft, causing an overspeed for around two seconds.
Fractured ankle
During this brief period, the flight attendant was on her feet and was attempting to return to her seat when her left foot gave way and she was “slammed” into the floor. The aircraft itself was not damaged during the turbulence and would land safely in Chicago.
The flight attendant was met by paramedics and taken to hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured left ankle. The Captain of the flight was a 41-year-old male with 9,188 flight hours (985 on the ERJ-170), and the first officer was a 25-year-old male with 1,904 total flight hours (882 hours on the ERJ-170).
Clear air turbulence
The NTSB report stated that, “given the weak convective environment and the likelihood of wind speed shear,” the flight “likely encountered clear air turbulence” during its initial descent.
Photo: Preferi | Shutterstock
Clear air turbulence is considered the most dangerous form of turbulence as it is almost impossible to detect or predict. This means pilots (and therefore cabin crew and passengers in the back) essentially have no warning about any impending turbulence, significantly raising the risk of injury in the cabin.
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Invisible Danger: A Closer Look At Clear Air Turbulence
Recent incidents have led many to become concerned over the phenomenon.
CAT was responsible for the high-profile Singapore Airlines accident back in May that led to the death of one passenger and several more injuries. Turbulence incidents have been on the rise in recent years, a phenomenon some scientists are attributing to climate change – in fact, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently hosted a conference in Montreal to discuss how the aviation community can mitigate the growing threat of turbulence.
