Probable cause
An unexpected encounter with turbulence, during the initial descent for landing.
NTSB analysis
The Boeing 737-800 encountered turbulence while descending for arrival. The pilot flying (captain) stated that 26 minutes before the scheduled landing he asked the flight attendants to prepare the cabin earlier than normal due to convective weather along the route of flight. Ten minutes after the announcement the airplane encountered turbulence. The pilot reported that both of the airplane's weather radar systems were turned on, and were scanning at 40 and 80 miles range respectively. He reported that the returns showed no convective activity in the immediate area. Two flight attendants were in the aft galley area, after having secured the main cabin for landing, when the turbulence was encountered. During the encounter the attendants were thrown to the ceiling and one sustained a fractured ankle.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for NYC08CA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 7, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Night
Boeing 737-823
- N-number
- N947AN
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.