MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD 90-30

El Paso, TX — September 4, 2017

Event Information

DateSeptember 4, 2017
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberDCA17CA194
Event ID20170911X34051
LocationEl Paso, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates31.80722, -106.37639
AirportEl Paso Intl
Highest InjurySERS

Aircraft

MakeMCDONNELL DOUGLAS
ModelMD 90-30
CategoryAIR
FAR Part121

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
None142
Total Injured1

Event Location

Probable Cause

an inadvertent encounter with turbulence.

Full Narrative

On September 4, 2017 at about1531 central daylight time, Delta Air Lines flight 2121, a Boeing MD-90, N938DN, encountered turbulence during final approach into El Paso International Airport (ELP), El Paso, Texas. Of the 143 passengers and crew onboard, one flight attendant sustained serious injuries. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, Georgia, to ELP.

According to the operator, while on approach the flight crew completed the cabin notification and turned the seatbelt sign on. While one of the flight attendants was performing final safety checks and walking to her jumpseat, the airplane encountered turbulence, resulting in the flight attendant hitting her head on the overhead bin. The flight attendant continued to her seat for the remainder of the approach and landing. The flight crew was notified of the event during taxi and they requested paramedics meet the flight at the gate. The flight attendant was transported to the hospital where she was diagnosed with head injuries and admitted for observation.

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.

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