NTSB Factual Report

On April 3, 2010, at 0638 central daylight time, an Embraer ERJ 170-100 SE, N869RW, operated as Republic Airlines Flight 1501, encountered moderate clear-air turbulence while in cruise flight at 31,000 feet (FL 310) over Runnells, Iowa. A cabin flight attendant, who was seated but unrestrained, sustained a hip fracture and a head contusion during the turbulence encounter. The commercial flight was being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121 while on an instrument flight plan. The remaining flight crewmembers and 26 passengers were not injured. The flight departed Eppley Field (KOMA), Omaha, Nebraska, at 0540 and was enroute to General Mitchell International Airport (KMKE), Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

According to Republic Airlines, air traffic control had issued multiple advisories for light-to-moderate turbulence during the accident flight. The flight encountered light-to-moderate turbulence between 29,000 feet and its assigned cruise altitude of 31,000 feet. While in cruise flight, the captain noted a change in wind direction/speed and subsequently asked the cabin flight attendants to be seated. Shortly after the captain’s request, the airplane encountered moderate turbulence before the flight attendants were able to fasten their lap belts. The injured flight attendant was thrown from her seat and sustained a hip fracture and a head contusion. According to flight recorder data, the maximum and minimum vertical accelerations during the turbulence event were 1.902 g and -0.199 g, respectively. The flight continued to its intended destination without further incident. The flight was met by paramedics who transported the injured flight attendant to a local hospital for treatment.

NTSB Probable Cause

A clear air turbulence encounter during cruise flight, during which an unrestrained cabin flight attendant sustained a hip fracture.