Aircraft Turbulence Encounter in Rainy, 2013

Abstract

Background: During the international flight, after cabin crews has just cleared the cabin (15 minutes before landing), suddenly the vibration came and threw many of the cabin crews and passengers hitting their head on ceiling and crash on the floor. There were 45 injuries including 15 cabin crews and 30 passengers, with no fatalities. The airline announced that the plane was facing the Clear Air Turbulence (CAT). Investigation was conducted by Bureau of Epidemiology on 18th October 2013 in order to describe epidemiological characteristic of injury, find out the factors that influence injury severity and Making recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of injury prevention.
Methods: A descriptive study was conducted and interviews were held with cabin crews Airline’s Flight Safety Department and Medical Department, Airport of Thailand and perform PTSD screening test among cabin crews. Obtained data was analysis using Modified Haddon’s Matrix Framework methods.
Results: 18 of 21 interviewed cabin crews were injured (attack rate 85.7%) with no fatality, 44% are male, median age 41.5 years with median flight experience 22.5 years and 14 of injured had faced Turbulence before without being injured (77%). 13 (77%) were standing and 16 crew (89%) saw the “seat-belt sign on”. During event, 13 of 17 reported median precede vibration 2 seconds before Turbulence. Five crews performed brace position, 10 grabbed something. Attack rate was the lowest in frontal section (76%). Injures location are neck (50%), head (30%) and back (23%). In three months later, 9 of 18 injured (50%) still need physical therapy, 1 required surgery and 2 suffered PTSD render them unable to return flight duties.
Conclusion: Even in modern aircrafts, cabin crews still vulnerable to injuries from turbulence encounter. Concerning between preparation and management issue are needed returned them home safely.