Probable cause
hot water spilled from a cup onto the flight attendant's arm resulting in a 2nd degree burn.
NTSB analysis
As a flight attendant (FA) was moving from the galley to the cabin to serve a tray of drinks, a cup of hot water fell off the tray and spilled onto her arm resulting in 2nd degree burns to her forearm and bicep, measuring about 1 inch by 2 inches, and separation of skin.
The crew reported the flight encountered some light turbulence enroute but it was not determined if any was encountered at the time of the event.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA16CA008 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 9, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pound Ridge, New York
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Light
- Day
Boeing 737 3H4
- N-number
- N383SW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1994
- 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.