New Report Breaks Down Turbulence Incident That Led To Broken Ankles

A turbulent British Airways flight in late 2024 resulted in two persons sustaining ankle injuries, according to the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The plane was an Airbus A380-841 traveling from Los Angeles to London with 24 crew members and 277 passengers. According to the AAIB, “a short period of turbulence” occurred while the aircraft was “over the Atlantic Ocean, south of Greenland.” The bout of rough air travel “caused two people in the cabin to fall and sustain serious lower leg injuries.” A January 2026 report documenting the incident noted that the two injured individuals were one passenger and one crew member. The former’s ankle broke after the turbulence “raised her up,” and she subsequently fell. Before her injury, she had been trying to get into her seat and fasten her seat belt.

The passenger was returning to his seat on the upper deck of the plane — while the seat belt light was on — when the plane suddenly moved “upward and sideways.” He also sustained a broken ankle.

The report noted that, had the seat belt signs not been on, “more people might have been affected.”

What Else Is There To Know About The Turbulence On The British Airways Flight?

A weather chart forecast “moderate turbulence” south of Greenland along the plane’s route. However, the briefing document crew members received before the flight didn’t mention any “significant weather warnings.”

The flight crew used live weather technology to inform their decision-making while in the air. Those choices during the turbulence included turning on the passenger seat belt signs and instructing that equipment in the cabin be secured and that the crew be safely seated.

The Independent shared a statement from British Airways about the incident. The airline said, “Safety is always our priority, and our highly-skilled pilots and cabin crew are trained to manage rare events such as this. The aircraft landed safely at London Heathrow, where our teams looked after both our colleague and the customer.”

What Should Passengers Know About Staying Safe During Turbulence?

There are several measures flyers can take to contribute to their own and others’ safety during turbulence. Of course, being mindful of when an aircraft’s seat belt signs are on is one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do. It’s critical to remain seated and strapped in during those times, but ideally throughout the entire flight. Turbulence can happen suddenly and without warning at any time during the flight.

Always follow the instructions of the flight and cabin crew while flying, as their guidance could be life-saving and prevent injuries. Also, be sure to stow your items securely. That could mean placing items in an overhead bin that properly closes, securely underneath the seat in front of you, or in other authorized locations suggested by the cabin crew.

If moderate to severe turbulence begins while you’re out of your seat, grasp things that you can hold on to and find the nearest open seat on the plane. There, you can buckle yourself in. Listen to flight attendant instructions, and keep your eyes peeled so you can dodge anything unsecured that might be launched your way.

Turbulence anxiety is real, but taking safety precautions can help travelers feel calmer. Avoid panic, practice flight-friendly grounding techniques, and remind yourself that air travel is considered the safest mode of transportation. Also, book a seat near the wings or the front of the plane, as those areas may feel smoother.

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