Turbulence injuries — Boeing 787-9, severe clear air turbulence

Summary

A Qantas Boeing 787-9 encountered severe clear-air turbulence while cruising at FL390 approximately 900 nm east of Brisbane. The aircraft experienced sudden altitude deviations of up to 200 ft. Three passengers who were not wearing seatbelts sustained minor to moderate injuries; one flight attendant sustained a fractured wrist.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01Turbulence was not forecast by either the Australian Bureau of Meteorology or US weather services.
2. 02Pilot reports from aircraft in the area were not disseminated in time to provide useful warning.
3. 03The fasten seatbelt sign was illuminated but three passengers had unbuckled.
4. 04Qantas reinforced its passenger seatbelt compliance procedures; CASA issued a safety bulletin on turbulence injury prevention.