B767 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 169; Flight Crew Total 20680; Flight Crew Type 9698
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Human Factors; Weather
I had just returned from my rest break and the First Officer (FO) and International Relief Officer (IRO) had climbed to FL360 in an attempt to find a smoother ride. At the time we had been in constant light turbulence with an occasional moderate bump. We were advised that we could find a smooth ride at FL240. After contacting Center we asked for clearance to FL240. As we descended through FL290 the ride improved considerably. As we passed through FL250 we encountered a small area of precipitation followed by a single severe bump. Both weather radars were on and there was not any weather painting. The IRO called to the Flight Attendants (FA) to see if they were OK. The lead told him that some of the FAs in the rear of the cabin had been hurt. After realizing there were injuries we declared an emergency and proceeded directly to the airport. Dispatch was notified and coordinated for medical personnel to meet at the gate.The fasten seatbelt sign had been on for quite some time prior to beginning descent. Several announcements had been made to insure everyone remained seated with their seat belts on. The flight attendants had been advised to discontinue their service and remain seated well before we began our descent.
We were approx. 1:15 from destination in a descent for ride conditions. All 3 pilots were in the cockpit. The Flight Attendants (FA) were notified to not do the final service and be seated for ride conditions. We asked for FL240 for a better ride and were descending through FL250 when we received a moderate to severe jolt. We were informed that several FA's were hurt and needed medical attention. We coordinated through dispatch and station for medical personnel to meet the flight.
B767 flight crew describes the conditions leading up to an encounter with severe turbulence that injures several flight attendants.