Embraer ERJ 190-100 IGW N957UW accident near New York, New York

Probable cause

Improper latching of the aft galley cart prior to landing.

NTSB analysis

On February 24, 2011 at approximately 2330 eastern standard time, a passenger was seriously injured aboard an Embraer 190, U.S. registration N957UW, operated by USAirways as flight 1290 during landing on runway 22 at New York LaGuardia airport (LGA). The flight was a regularly scheduled domestic flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL).

The aircraft operated two flight segments earlier in the day without incident. Moderate turbulence was reported during final approach, and one of the flight attendants reported observing the aft beverage cart rolling forward. Upon landing during deceleration the cart traveled forward down the aisle striking a passenger's ankle in seat 11D. The B flight attendant and an onboard doctor attended to the passenger. Once at the gate, police and paramedics arrived and removed the passenger by stretcher.

US Airways maintenance in LGA examined the cart brakes and the side restraint latches onboard the aircraft and found no anomalies with their operation. No previous maintenance history was found for this aircraft concerning cart restraint latches.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA11CA036 for the full record.