Date: 11th December 2024
Location: Near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, North Carolina, USA
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-145, registration N630AE
Operator: Piedmont Airlines on behalf of American Airlines
Flight Number: AA-5780
Route: Charlotte, NC to New Bern, NC (USA)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: One passenger sustained minor injuries
Damage: None reported
Summary of Events
On 11th December 2024, a Piedmont Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 operating as American Airlines flight AA-5780 encountered moderate turbulence shortly after takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The turbulence resulted in one passenger sustaining minor injuries. As a precautionary measure, the crew decided to return to Charlotte for a safe landing approximately 70 minutes after departure.
A replacement aircraft was dispatched to complete the journey to New Bern with a delay of about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure and Initial Climb:
• The flight departed Charlotte, climbing to its assigned cruising altitude of FL190.
2. Encounter with Turbulence:
• Approximately 120nm east of Charlotte, the aircraft experienced moderate turbulence during the initial climb phase.
• A passenger sustained minor injuries as a result of the turbulence.
3. Decision to Return:
• The crew promptly assessed the situation and decided to return to Charlotte as a precaution.
• The aircraft landed safely at Charlotte approximately 70 minutes after departure.
4. Replacement and Continuation of Flight:
• A replacement Embraer ERJ-145 (registration N664MS) was dispatched and completed the flight to New Bern with a delay of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Investigation Findings
Primary Causes:
1. Moderate Turbulence:
• Encountered during the climb phase, causing minor injuries to a passenger who may not have been securely restrained.
Contributing Factors:
1. Unanticipated Atmospheric Conditions:
• Moderate turbulence can arise unexpectedly, especially during climb or descent phases.
Safety Risks
1. Passenger Safety During Turbulence:
• Failure to comply with seatbelt instructions increases the risk of injuries during turbulence.
2. Operational Delays:
• The incident caused delays for passengers and required the dispatch of a replacement aircraft.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Passenger Briefings:
• Reinforce the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times during flight, especially during initial climb and descent phases.
2. Weather Monitoring:
• Improve real-time monitoring of turbulence forecasts and conditions along planned routes to provide advanced warnings to crews.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce protocols for handling in-flight turbulence and ensuring passengers are adequately briefed during pre-flight safety demonstrations.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of passenger compliance with safety instructions, particularly the use of seatbelts during all phases of flight. It also underscores the unpredictability of turbulence and the critical role of real-time weather monitoring in ensuring flight safety.
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