Pilot Debrief

MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD88 near Atlanta, GA — 2009-03-28

Final reportERA09LA224
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Date
2009-03-28
Location
Atlanta, GA, USA
Airport
ATL
Aircraft
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD88
Registration
N941DL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The flight attendant’s failure to properly restrain herself after taking her jumpseat.

NTSB narrative

While on initial approach, the flight crew announced over the public address system for passengers and flight attendants to take their seats. According to one of the flight attendants, it took about 1 minute to get everything put away in the galley, then he and another attendant went to the aft jumpseat to be seated. Neither fastened their restraints. Shortly thereafter, there was a "jolt of turbulence" that lasted between 2 to 3 seconds. Both flight attendants came off the aft jumpseat and it retracted into the stowed position, and one fell onto her side and incurred injuries to her elbow, shoulder, and head. As a result of the event, the operator clarified its turbulence training and guidance to emphasize that flight attendants "must be seated with seat belts and shoulder harness secured during moderate/severe turbulence or when directed by the captain."

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Flight attendants did not fasten their restraints when directed to take their seats.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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