Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 240; Flight Crew Total 13000; Flight Crew Type 7000
Physiological - Other; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Procedure; Weather
Mid afternoon the pilots were advised of thunderstorms and rain in the IAH Area. Captain advised flight attendants to take their seats. Captain made a PA to the passengers to make sure their seat belts were fastened and 'DO NOT GET UP.' Pilots were told to hold at 1;600 feet. Pilots were entering the hold at 220 knots and the track showed crew not entering any clouds painted on the radar. The First Officer suggested a turn but I felt the turn at that time to avoid the cloud would have put the plane in more jeopardy. Aircraft was jolted approximately 500-600 feet. Crew climbed out of the weather and returned to the departure airport. A Flight Attendant reported at the time of the incident that she was hurt but did not want emergency equipment. Passenger stated she hit her head but did not seek treatment. After landing Flight Attendant wanted medical treatment.
An air carrier entered severe turbulence near IAH in holding at 16;000 FT with a 500 FT-600 FT altitude loss so the flight climbed out of the weather and was later able to reach its destination with an injured Flight Attendant.