Probable cause
The flight attendant’s failure to properly restrain herself after taking her jumpseat.
NTSB analysis
While on initial approach, the flight crew announced over the public address system for passengers and flight attendants to take their seats. According to one of the flight attendants, it took about 1 minute to get everything put away in the galley, then he and another attendant went to the aft jumpseat to be seated. Neither fastened their restraints. Shortly thereafter, there was a "jolt of turbulence" that lasted between 2 to 3 seconds. Both flight attendants came off the aft jumpseat and it retracted into the stowed position, and one fell onto her side and incurred injuries to her elbow, shoulder, and head. As a result of the event, the operator clarified its turbulence training and guidance to emphasize that flight attendants "must be seated with seat belts and shoulder harness secured during moderate/severe turbulence or when directed by the captain."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA224 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 28, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Hartsfield Jackson Int. Arpt (ATL)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Mcdonnell Douglas MD88
- N-number
- N941DL
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- 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.