A388, en-route, Bay of Bengal India, 2019

A388, en-route, Bay of Bengal India, 2019

Summary

On 10 July 2019 an Airbus A380 in the cruise at night at FL 400 encountered unexpectedly severe turbulence approximately 13 hours into the 17 hour flight and 27 occupants were injured as a result, one seriously. The detailed Investigation concluded that the turbulence had occurred in clear air in the vicinity of a significant area of convective turbulence and a jet stream. A series of findings were related to both better detection of turbulence risks and ways to minimise injuries if unexpectedly encountered with particular reference to the aircraft type and operator but with wider relevance.

Description

On 10 July 2019 an Airbus A380-800 (A6-EEM) being operated by Emirates on a scheduled international passenger flight from Auckland to Dubai as EK449 with an augmented crew was in the cruise east of Chennai in night VMC at FL 400 when it encountered severe turbulence unexpectedly which resulted in one serious and 13 minor injuries amongst the 378 passengers and minor injuries to 13 of the 25 cabin crew. Impact damage to the cabin ceiling panels and detachment of several ceiling mounted exit signs also occurred but there was no other damage to the aircraft or its systems. The flight was completed to destination where the seriously injured passenger was hospitalised.

Investigation

A comprehensive Investigation was carried out by the UAE GCAA Air Accident Investigation Sector. Relevant data were obtained from both the FDR and the QAR but as the flight had continued for more than two hours following the turbulence encounter, relevant data from the CVR had been overwritten. Assistance in the analysis of the FDR data was provided by Airbus.

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