Boeing 737-400 N775AS

Summary

On 22 December 1996 at about 23:12 local time, a Boeing 737-400 registered N775AS was involved in an accident near Yakutat, Alaska, United States. 42 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

22 December 1996 at 23:12

Classification

Accident

Location

Yakutat, Alaska, United States

Coordinates

59.5092, -139.7107

Aircraft

Boeing 737-400

Registration

N775AS

Category

Airplane

Engines

2

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 121: Air Carrier

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Juneau → Anchorage

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

ANC97LA015

2 people were seriously injured.

an in-flight encounter with unforecast severe clear air turbulence.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The flight was cruising at FL350 over mountainous terrain with elevations of up to 15,300 feet, when severe turbulence was encountered. Two flight attendants, who were in the rear of the airplane pushing a beverage cart, received serious injuries when they collided with the ceiling and the floor. They described the turbulence as two large waves or jolts. In the cockpit, the flight crew described the turbulence as 'a good, solid moderate.' The fasten seat belt sign was illuminated at the time the turbulence was encountered. The flight had encountered light and occasional moderate turbulence during the climb to cruising altitude, and other flights had reported turbulence along the intended route of flight. The flight crew reportedly conferred with the lead flight attendant prior to beginning meal service, and they elected to begin the service because the turbulence had diminished to 'light chop.'

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.