Probable cause
The passenger's failure to comply with crewmember instructions to remain seated while the airplane was in turbulent weather conditions, resulting in an injury to the passenger.
NTSB analysis
While on final approach to the destination airport, the airplane was in light turbulence with occasional moderate turbulence. Flight and cabin crew reports of the event indicated that several announcements had been made instructing passengers to remain seated with their seat belts fastened for the remainder of the flight and that the fasten seat belt signs were illuminated. After these instructions were given, a passenger elected to leave his seat to use the lavatory. While returning to his seat after using the lavatory, the airplane encountered moderate turbulence and the passenger fell. He suffered a broken ankle.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA461 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Indianapolis International (IND)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Embraer-Empresa Brasileira De ERJ 170-20
- N-number
- N120HQ
- Category
- Airplane
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.