Aviation safety investigations & reports
Severe turbulence - Boeing 767-338, VH-OGR, Perth Airport, 20 May 2011
AO-2011-064

Summary
On 20 May 2011, a Qantas Airways Boeing 767-338 aircraft, registered VH OGR, was being operated on a scheduled passenger service from Melbourne, Victoria to Perth, Western Australia.
During the approach to runway 03 at Perth, the aircraft encountered turbulence over a 9 second period, with severe turbulence recorded for 3-4 seconds during that time; a go-around was conducted.
Two passengers, who were reportedly not wearing their seat belts at the time, sustained head injuries from coming into contact with a window reveal and an overhead locker. After landing, both passengers received medical attention, with one being transported to hospital.
As a result of this occurrence, the aircraft operator has advised the ATSB that they intend to present this incident at the Airservices Australia industry participation working group for discussion; to improve the dissemination of information relating to windshear events.
Generally, 99 per cent of people receive no injuries during a
turbulence encounter; however, if passengers and cabin crew are not
wearing their seatbelts, they can be thrown around without warning.
Almost all in-flight turbulence injuries could be avoided by
wearing a seatbelt and paying attention to any safety announcements
made by the flight crew and cabin crew during the flight.
General details
Date: | 20 May 2011 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 0915 WST | Investigation level: | Short - click for an explanation of investigation levels | ||
Location (show map): | near Perth Airport | ||||
State: | Western Australia | Occurrence type: | Turbulence/windshear/microburst | ||
Release date: | 12 December 2011 | Occurrence category: | Incident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Minor |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | The Boeing Company | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 767 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-OGR | |
Serial number | 28724 | |
Operator | Qantas | |
Type of operation | Air Transport High Capacity | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Melbourne, Vic. | |
Destination | Perth, WA |