Canadair CL600 2B16 N237QS accident near Lubbock, Texas

Probable cause

The unexpected wake turbulence encounter while climbing in smooth air to cruise, resulting in passenger injuries. Contributing to the accident was the passenger seat belt sign was off.

NTSB analysis

The business jet was climbing through flight level (FL) 335 to an assigned altitude of FL 340, when it suddenly encountered turbulence. The captain reported that the airplane was in smooth air when the turbulence was encountered. The passenger seat belt sign was off. Unsecured objects, passengers, and the flight attendant were thrown about the cabin, resulting in several minor injuries and one serious injury to a passenger. The captain stabilized the airplane and diverted to the nearest airport and landed. Flight data recorder (FDR) data recorded the event that lasted for about 11 seconds. At the time of the turbulence encounter, the airplane was between eight and ten miles in trail of a heavy transport airplane. The transport airplane was level at FL340 and on the same assigned route as the business jet. The flight crew of the business jet was not aware of the preceding heavy transport after the turbulence encounter. It is likely that the business jet encountered wake turbulence from the proceeding heavy transport airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA266 for the full record.