Probable cause
the flight attendant's failure to secure her lap belt and shoulder harness prior to the takeoff that resulted in her being thrown from her jumpseat shortly after takeoff.
NTSB analysis
After completing her pre-takeoff safety check of the cabin, the flight attendant (FA) sat down in the jumpseat but reported that her lap buckle was stuck under the seat bottom and so was unable to secure her harness during the takeoff roll. After takeoff and in the initial climb, the FA stood up to release the buckle from the seat bottom and then before she was able to buckle her seatbelt, was thrown from her seat onto the galley floor injuring her side. The FA was assisted back to her seat and was unable to complete her duties. The flight returned to the departure airport where emergency medical technicians met the plane. The injured FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with two fractured ribs.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA15CA125 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 23, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Airbus Industrie A320 212
- N-number
- N334NW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1992
- 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.