Probable cause
an encounter with turbulence resulting in a serious injury to a flight attendant.
NTSB analysis
According to crew statements, the flight crew briefed the flight attendants (FA) that turbulence was forecast for the flight and that they would keep them updated throughout. During the first portion of the flight, the flight encountered light turbulence and occasional moderate turbulence several times and the flight crew made public address (PA) announcements each time. Later, the flight encountered unexpected turbulence and the flight crew immediately turned on the fasten seatbelt sign and made a PA announcement. During that time, a FA was stowing a beverage cart in the aft galley, and the turbulence caused the cart to bump the FAs hand. The FA continued to perform her duties and the flight landed uneventfully.
The next day, the FAs hand was painful and swollen and she was diagnosed with a broken wrist.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA16CA041 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 3, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Embraer ERJ 170 100 SE
- N-number
- N643RW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.