AAIB investigation to Boeing 777-336ER, G-STBL / Boeing 777-236, G-YMML
Injury to cabin crew due to turbulence, Entering Bay of Bengal, 15 June 2023 / Unexpected turbulence, Beijing Daxing International Airport, 28 June 2023
Summary
Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes after departing Singapore en route London, G-STBL encountered severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal and unsecured cabin crew were thrown around in the cabin. Two crew members were seriously injured and three sustained minor injuries. The aircraft returned to Singapore.
In a similar event, G-YMML encountered what the commander described as “moderate chop” around 15 minutes before landing at Beijing Daxing Airport and while manoeuvring to avoid convective weather seen on radar. The commander was informed after landing of a serious injury to one of the crew that had been sustained during the turbulence.
In both cases, the pilots took action to avoid areas of poor weather and turbulence but, nevertheless, their aircraft encountered turbulence of sufficient severity to injure unsecured crew. When route weather forecasts cover large areas and contain general predictions of the likelihood of encountering turbulence, pilots may not be able to identify specific areas in flight where it will actually be encountered.
Bulletin Correction:
Prior to publication two amendments were made to the report. Full details can be found at the end of the amended report which can be downloaded below.
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