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February 13, 2017 · Bombardier DHC 8 311 NO Series · N838CA

Dulles, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 13, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 52 uninjured
Location
Dulles, VA
Aircraft
Bombardier DHC 8 311 NO Series (1998)
Tail Number
N838CA
Operator
Commutair
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DCA17CA071

On February 13, 2017, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Bombardier DHC-8, operated by Commutair as a scheduled flight from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), encountered turbulence resulting in a serious injury to the flight attendant. The airplane was not damaged and there were no other injuries. According to the operator, the flight was in smooth conditions during the cruise portion and initial descent. The Captain stated that as he finished the before-landing checklist at 4,000 feet, approximately 50 miles south of IAD, the flight encountered a "pocket" of moderate turbulence resulting in a descent rate of about 600 feet per minute and an altitude loss of about 400 feet. The Captain called to the cabin to check on the passengers and the flight attendant reported she injured her leg and could not walk. The flight attendant reported that she was in the final stages of preparing the cabin for landing when the turbulence occurred. Passengers assisted her until landing and paramedics met the aircraft at the gate. The flight attendant was diagnosed with a broken ankle.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Turbulence-Clear air turbulence-Effect on personnel - C

Full Narrative

On February 13, 2017, at 1115 eastern standard time, a Bombardier DHC-8, operated by Commutair as a scheduled flight from Fayetteville, North Carolina, to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), encountered turbulence resulting in a serious injury to the flight attendant. The airplane was not damaged and there were no other injuries. According to the operator, the flight was in smooth conditions during the cruise portion and initial descent. The Captain stated that as he finished the before-landing checklist at 4,000 feet, approximately 50 miles south of IAD, the flight encountered a "pocket" of moderate turbulence resulting in a descent rate of about 600 feet per minute and an altitude loss of about 400 feet. The Captain called to the cabin to check on the passengers and the flight attendant reported she injured her leg and could not walk. The flight attendant reported that she was in the final stages of preparing the cabin for landing when the turbulence occurred. Passengers assisted her until landing and paramedics met the aircraft at the gate. The flight attendant was diagnosed with a broken ankle.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 EST
Nearest AirportWashington Dulles Internationa (50nm S)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBombardier DHC 8 311 NO Series
Tail NumberN838CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorCommutair
Operating RulePart 121
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsP&W Canada · PW123 · Turboprop | P&W Canada · PW123 · Turboprop
Seats55

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 52 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured52
Total53
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 25 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 41 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg

Appendix: Source Data