AIRBUS A319 115
Grand Cayman Island (GCM) — August 3, 2016
Event Information
| Date | August 3, 2016 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DCA16CA209 |
| Event ID | 20160805X51304 |
| Location | Grand Cayman Island (GCM) |
| Country | CJ |
| Coordinates | 19.00000, -81.00000 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | AIRBUS |
| Model | A319 115 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 121 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 7 |
| None | 121 |
| Total Injured | 8 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
an inadvertent encounter with clear air turbulence.
Full Narrative
On August 3, 2016 at 7:45 pm eastern daylight time, American Airlines flight 1007, an Airbus A319, N9010R, encountered clear air turbulence on descent to the Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), George Town, Cayman Islands. As a result of the turbulence, one passenger received serious injuries and four passengers and three flight attendants received minor injuries. None of the other passengers and crew were injured and the airplane was not damaged.
The operator reported that while over international waters, the flight experienced moderate to severe turbulence for approximately 6-8 seconds while descending through FL180 into GCM. Both the autopilot and weather radar were on and operating at the time. The flight was in visual meteorological conditions and the crew had no warning of turbulence. The seat belt sign was on and had been on for approximately 10 minutes before the turbulence event occurred. The flight landed safely without further incident. The injured passenger was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured vertebra.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.