Delta Air Lines, Boeing 757-232, N687DL: Accident occurred January 10, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N687DL

Location: Atlanta, GA
Accident Number: DCA14CA036
Date & Time: 01/10/2014, 0700 EST
Registration: N687DL
Aircraft: BOEING 757 232
Aircraft Damage: None
Defining Event: Turbulence encounter
Injuries: 1 Serious, 140 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 121: Air Carrier - Scheduled

Analysis 

The flight crew was anticipating light turbulence during the descent and notified the cabin and selected the fasten seatbelt sign on prior to descending from 28,000 feet. During the descent, as the flight attendants (FA) were still preparing the cabin for arrival, the turbulence increased to a level the crew categorized as moderate.

During this time, while trying to get to her seat, a FA was thrown against the 3L door and fell to the floor injuring her right ankle. The FA could not complete her duties and was assisted into the last row of seats. Another FA informed the flight crew who arranged for paramedics to meet the airplane.

The FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with a broken right tibia in two places.

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
unexpected encounter with convective turbulence while the flight attendants were preparing for arrival.

Findings

Environmental issues
Convective turbulence - Effect on personnel (Cause)

Factual Information

History of Flight

Enroute-descent
Turbulence encounter (Defining event)

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Private
Age: 54
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Left
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/30/2013
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 12/11/2013
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 12296 hours (Total, all aircraft), 4712 hours (Total, this make and model), 180 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Co-Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport; Private
Age: 49
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land
Seat Occupied: Right
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 5-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: Yes
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 1 Unknown
Last FAA Medical Exam: 09/09/2013
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 08/22/2013
Flight Time:  6081 hours (Total, all aircraft), 3051 hours (Total, this make and model), 123 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 2 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft)

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: BOEING
Registration: N687DL
Model/Series: 757 232 232
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1998
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Transport
Serial Number: 27586
Landing Gear Type: Retractable - Tricycle
Seats:
Date/Type of Last Inspection:
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 248020 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection:
Engines: 2 Unknown
Airframe Total Time:
Engine Manufacturer:
ELT:
Engine Model/Series:
Registered Owner: DELTA AIR LINES INC
Rated Power: hp
Operator: DELTA AIR LINES INC
Operating Certificate(s) Held: Flag carrier (121)
Operator Does Business As:
Operator Designator Code: DALA

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Instrument Conditions
Condition of Light: Not Reported
Observation Facility, Elevation: KATL, 1026 ft msl
Distance from Accident Site: 40 Nautical Miles
Observation Time: 0652 EST
Direction from Accident Site: 134°
Lowest Cloud Condition:
Visibility:  1 Miles
Lowest Ceiling: Overcast / 400 ft agl
Visibility (RVR):
Wind Speed/Gusts: 7 knots /
Turbulence Type Forecast/Actual: / None
Wind Direction: 80°
Turbulence Severity Forecast/Actual: / N/A
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Temperature/Dew Point: 4°C / 3°C
Precipitation and Obscuration:
Departure Point: Jacksonville, FL (KJAX)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: IFR
Destination: Atlanta, GA (KATL)
Type of Clearance: IFR
Departure Time: 0620 EST
Type of Airspace: Class A 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious, 6 None
Aircraft Damage: None
Passenger Injuries: 134 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 1 Serious, 140 None
Latitude, Longitude:  33.216944, -83.807778