Probable cause
the capabilities of the beverage cart were exceeded which resulted in the cart toppling over and fracturing the flight attendant's foot.
NTSB analysis
According to flight attendant (FA) statements, the airplane was climbing to cruise altitude in smooth air. While preparing for meal service, a FA pulled out a beverage cart from its stowed position in the aft galley and it immediately toppled over onto the foot of another FA that was in area. The injured FA was unable to continue her duties and the flight diverted to a closer airport without further incident. The flight attendant was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with an open fracture of her right foot. There were no reported malfunctions or failures with the beverage cart.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA14CA155 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 27, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Columbus, Ohio
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Embraer-Empresa Brasileira De ERJ 170 200 LR
- N-number
- N204JQ
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2008
- 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.