Pilot Debrief

BOEING 737-724 near McAllen, TX — 2009-04-18

Final reportCEN09LA256
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Date
2009-04-18
Location
McAllen, TX, USA
Airport
KMFE
Aircraft
BOEING 737-724
Registration
N27722
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The injured passenger's failure to comply with the requirement to remain seated with a fastened seatbelt.

NTSB narrative

Before departure the captain briefed all crew members not to perform any services and remain in their jump seats for the duration of the flight due to the possibility of severe weather. The lead flight attendant then made a public address announcement to the passengers that due to possible bad weather there would be no service and the seat belt sign would remain on during the entire flight, stressing the need for the passengers to remain in their seats. In addition, the first officer made a similar announcement to the crew and passengers stressing the need to remain seated for their safety. While descending to the destination airport, a passenger who had gotten up and went into the lavatory sustained serious injuries when the airplane encountered an area of severe turbulence. In addition, two passengers and a flight attendant not wearing their seatbelts sustained minor injuries.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Environmental
First missed decision gate
Captain could have chosen to delay descent until weather conditions improved.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • FDR / data
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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