Boeing 777-223 N789AN accident near Fort Worth, Texas

Probable cause

an encounter with clear air turbulence during approach

NTSB analysis

On March 15, 2021, about 1500 central standard time, American Airlines flight 1601, a Boeing 777, N789AN, encountered turbulence during approach into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW), Fort Worth, Texas. Of the 262 passengers and crew onboard, one flight attendant sustained serious injuries. The airplane was not damaged. The regularly scheduled international passenger flight was operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 from Cancun International Airport (MMUN), Cancun, Mexico to KDFW.

According to the flight crew, the captain made a public address announcement to the flight attendants to prepare for landing between FL200 and FL190. When passing 8,500 ft on vectors for a visual approach to KDFW, the crew heard another aircraft in the area report turbulence on the ATC frequency. Subsequently, the captain called the number 1 flight attendant (FA) to notify him of the potential turbulence and ensure the flight attendants took their jumpseats. Approaching the GACHO intersection at 6,500 feet, the crew stated the aircraft experienced a moderate “jolt” of turbulence lasting about one second. The flight crew stated that the weather was unrestricted visibility and no precipitation in the vicinity of the turbulence encounter.

At the time of the turbulence, the FAs had completed securing the cabin. One FA in the aft galley was thrown into the air and then onto the floor against the right side of the aft galley when attempting to reach her jumpseat. She injured her right hip and had to remain on the galley floor for landing. Paramedics met the flight at the gate and transported the injured FA to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a broken hip.

The number 1 FA stated that he believed the turbulence call to his position should have been an “all call” priority as opposed to a phone call. The other FAs did not indicate they heard any additional warnings of impending turbulence.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA21LA095 for the full record.