Pilot Debrief

EMBRAER S.A. ERJ 170-200 LR near Hilton Head, SC — 2012-08-05

Final reportERA12LA498
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Date
2012-08-05
Location
Hilton Head, SC, USA
Aircraft
EMBRAER S.A. ERJ 170-200 LR
Registration
N134HQ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The passenger’s failure to adhere to flight and cabin crewmembers’ instructions to remain seated in anticipation of adverse weather and turbulence along the airplane’s flight path.

NTSB narrative

During an en route descent, the flight crew noted adverse weather ahead and illuminated the fasten seatbelt sign. Immediately afterward, a flight attendant made a passenger announcement advising that the seatbelt sign was illuminated. Although the seatbelt sign was illuminated, an elderly passenger, who was unable to use the restroom before boarding the accident flight, left her seat for the lavatory. While the passenger was out of her seat, the flight encountered what the captain later reported to be about 2 to 3 seconds of light to moderate turbulence. The standing passenger fell to the floor and was injured. The flight crew arranged for medical personnel and equipment to meet the airplane at its destination airport. The flight continued and landed uneventfully, and the injured passenger was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Passenger left seat despite seatbelt sign being on and announcement made.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ATC audio
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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