BOEING 767-2B7
New York, NY — October 20, 2011
Event Information
| Date | October 20, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA044 |
| Event ID | 20111020X14740 |
| Location | New York, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 40.63972, -73.77889 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | BOEING |
| Model | 767-2B7 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 121 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | NITE |
| Weather | IMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 215 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The passenger's lack of compliance with the illuminated seatbelt sign, which resulted in her injury during a turbulence encounter.
Full Narrative
According to the flight crew and a flight attendant, about 15 minutes after departure, the airplane was climbing through flight level 220. Although the captain allowed the use of approved portable electronic devices (PED) as the airplane climbed above 10,000 feet, the fasten seatbelt sign had remained illuminated for the climb. When the PED use was allowed, a couple of passengers began to move about the cabin, including one that went to the lavatory. As the passenger was exiting the lavatory and returning to her seat, the airplane encountered unforecast moderate turbulence. The passenger subsequently fell down in the aisle and suffered a fractured ankle. The flight returned to the departure airport.
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.