British Airways Flight Encounters Turbulence, Injures Two

A British Airways flight from Los Angeles to London Heathrow encountered unexpected turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean on December 6, 2024, injuring two people with broken ankles and prompting medical attention for a third passenger upon landing.

The Airbus A380, carrying passengers across the transatlantic route, hit light to moderate turbulence lasting between 10 and 15 seconds, according to a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The incident occurred south of Greenland, about 20 minutes after the captain activated the seatbelt signs in anticipation of rough weather. The captain had monitored conditions using a live weather application on his tablet device, a precaution that investigators said likely prevented additional injuries.

One passenger, who had been sleeping and did not notice the seatbelt signs before leaving his seat to use the restroom, reported a sudden upward and sideways jolt as he returned. The movement caused him to fall and fracture his ankle. At the same time, a cabin crew member was lowering her seat to secure her seatbelt when the turbulence lifted her off balance, leading to a fall and a broken ankle. Fellow crew members provided immediate...