Pilot Debrief

BOEING 737 near Kaycee, WY — 2014-02-17

Final reportDCA14LA060
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Date
2014-02-17
Location
Kaycee, WY, USA
Aircraft
BOEING 737
Registration
N23708
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

an encounter with severe mountain wave turbulence during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

The flight departed normally and climbed to its cruising altitude where it encountered light turbulence. The flight crew descended to a lower altitude twice in an effort to find a smooth ride. The flight encountered an area of severe mountain wave turbulence when the flight was cruising at flight level (FL) 340 in smooth air with the seat belt sign off seriously injuring two flight attendants. According to the NTSB weather study, an Airman's Meteorological Information (AIRMET) for moderate turbulence for altitudes between FL270 and FL390 was issued at 0745 MST for a region that included the accident location. The flight dispatch release for the accident aircraft, which included weather information, included a Flight Planning Guidance product from WSI that advised of light/occasional moderate mountain wave activity between FL310 and FL390 close to where the accident occurred.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Environmental
First missed decision gate
Crew could have maintained seat belt sign during turbulence encounter.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • CVR
  • FDR / data
  • ADS-B / radar
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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