Ouch: Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Breaks Hip, Elbow Due To Severe Turbulence
A Southwest Airlines flight attendant sustained two fractures and a passenger was injured after “severe” turbulence impacted a flight to Florida.
Flight Attendant Fractures Hip, Elbow After Severe Turbulence On Southwest Airlines
On April 3, 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 (registration N567WN) operating flight 4273 from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) hit unexpected turbulence as the flight neared Orlando.
The “severe” turbulence occurred as the aircraft entered its initial descent over Orlando. There were 133 passengers and seven crewmembers onboard, but two sustained serious injuries, including:
- a flight attendant – who reportedly suffered a hip and elbow fracture
- a passenger – who reportedly suffered “back problems”
Due to the severity of the injuries, the flight diverted to Tampa (TPA) even though only 81 miles separated the two airports. Both of the injured were taken to a local hospital.
Meanwhile, passengers were delayed about five hours before another aircraft took them to Orlando (it is only a 90-minute drive between the two airports, so I would imagine many passengers did not wait).
The FAA has called this an “accident” and is investigating:
“Southwest Airlines Flight 4273 landed safely at Tampa International Airport around 9 a.m. local time Wednesday, April 3, after the crew reported severe turbulence…The FAA will investigate.”
Incidents like these are a scary reminder that turbulence can come at any time. While you may not be able to avoid injury if you happen to be up and about the cabin, you can minimize your risk of injury by always buckling up when seated.
I wish the flight attendant and passenger a speedy recovery.
image: Stephen M. Keller / Southwest Airlines
