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September 29, 2022 · Boeing 737 800 · N7881A

Denver, CO

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 29, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 140 uninjured
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Boeing 737 800 (2008)
Tail Number
N7881A
Operator
Southwest Airlines
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DCA23LA008

Southwest Airlines flight 48 encountered turbulence during cruise. One flight attendant sustained serious injuries. The airplane was not damaged. The regularly scheduled passenger flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Kansas City, Missouri, to the Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, Colorado. According to the flight attendant, as she was pouring coffee into cups while in the front galley, the airplane encountered very light turbulence which she described as a ‘very light bump’. During the event, the coffee pot flipped over and spilled coffee onto the back of her hand, resulting in 2nd degree burns. After the event, the captain called back to the cabin to apologize for the turbulence and advised that it was unexpected. The flight attendant continued duties after the event, and there was no further turbulence. Prior to the flight, the captain discussed the possibility of turbulence during the preflight briefing, however the turbulence associated with the event was unannounced and unexpected.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Conditions/weather/phenomena-Turbulence-Clear air turbulence-Awareness of condition

Full Narrative

Southwest Airlines flight 48 encountered turbulence during cruise. One flight attendant sustained serious injuries. The airplane was not damaged. The regularly scheduled passenger flight was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), Kansas City, Missouri, to the Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, Colorado. According to the flight attendant, as she was pouring coffee into cups while in the front galley, the airplane encountered very light turbulence which she described as a ‘very light bump’. During the event, the coffee pot flipped over and spilled coffee onto the back of her hand, resulting in 2nd degree burns. After the event, the captain called back to the cabin to apologize for the turbulence and advised that it was unexpected. The flight attendant continued duties after the event, and there was no further turbulence. Prior to the flight, the captain discussed the possibility of turbulence during the preflight briefing, however the turbulence associated with the event was unannounced and unexpected.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 737 800
Tail NumberN7881A
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorSouthwest Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCfm Intl · CFM56-7B24/3 · Turbofan · 24200 | Cfm Intl · CFM56-7B24 · Turbofan · 24200
Seats148

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 140 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured140
Total141
Crew 1Age 52 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 37 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data