Boeing 767 322 N657UA accident near International Waters, A1

Probable cause

an inadvertent encounter with severe convective turbulence.

NTSB analysis

On August 31, 2016, at 0210 universal coordinated time, United Airlines flight 880, a Boeing 767-322, N657UA, encountered severe turbulence during cruise that resulted in one flight attendant sustaining a serious injury. Another flight attendant and 10 passengers, including one infant, received minor injuries. There were no injuries to the other passengers and crew onboard and the airplane was not damaged. The flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH), Houston, Texas to the London-Heathrow Airport (EGLL), United Kingdom. The flight diverted to the Shannon Airport (EINN), Shannon, Ireland .

According to flight crew statements, the aircraft was in cruise at flight level (FL) 340 approximately 50 miles east of 40W on the North Atlantic Track X, when it encountered unexpected severe turbulence that lasted for approximately 45 seconds. The captain indicated there was forecast turbulence for this portion of the flight and there were no pilot weather reports (PIREP) or air traffic control advisories in the pre-flight weather package. The flight crew indicated that the flight conditions were smooth and devoid of any turbulence for approximately two hours prior to the event. The seat belt sign had been off for about 2 hours prior to the event. They indicated that the onboard weather radar was operating in the AUTO mode and there were no returns observed prior to the event. After the event, the seat belt sign was immediately illuminated. After assessing the level and number of injuries, the captain decided to divert to EINN to expedite After landing, all injured passengers and one flight attendant were treated for minor injuries and released; one flight attendant was admitted to the hospital with fractures of the left wrist and L3 vertebra.

According to a weather analysis conducted by United Airlines, satellite imagery indicated convective buildup/enhancement in the form of an isolated cell in the region of the event. The Atlantic High Weather Prognostic Chart valid for the period depicted the potential for isolated cumulonimbus clouds over the area, which implied the potential for severe or greater turbulence associated with the convection. The nighttime conditions and lack of lightning in the lower convection, likely did not provide any visual indication of the developing storms below the flight path. Wind and temperature patterns depicted a diffluent wind flow pattern ahead of a trough over the area of the upset, which supported the development of the isolated convection. RPM Turbulence did not indicate presence of Clear Air Turbulence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA16CA220 for the full record.