Cessna 402/402C/B379 Businessliner/Utiliner
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Weather
I was cleared to climb to 9000 feet MSL. The climb out included some light turbulence. After being handed off to Center; the controller said there was extreme precipitation at my 2 o'clock; and 5 miles. I could see this system on my radar screen; but my flight path was going to keep the aircraft away from this cell.I was VMC for a few minutes after the controller told me about the heavy rain. After a few minutes; I was IMC with moderate rain. All of a sudden; I experienced a bout of severe turbulence. The jolt sent my headset and glasses flying through the aircraft. It was as though there was a sharp downdraft; followed by an atrocious updraft. For a moment; I did not have control of the aircraft. Once I gained control of the aircraft; I looked around to see the passengers. Aside from being very shaken up; each of them seemed okay. My passenger in row 4; however; was bent over; and she was holding the top of her head. We were still flying through moderate turbulence with rain showers. I could see it was beginning to get light in a few miles; so I knew the weather was about to improve. I notified ATC of the severe turbulence; and the location at which I encountered it.Once we were VMC; I scanned over the aircraft to try and assess any structural damage. I also began talking with my passengers to make sure nobody needed any immediate medical attention. I made the decision to keep flying towards [the destination airport]. I made a slow descent to 5000 feet MSL; which would keep me out of all clouds; and hopefully; any further turbulence. We landed without further incident. The passengers were met by EMTs; and each was given an examination. One passenger was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation.
The pilot of a C402 reported severe turbulence that resulted in a momentary loss of control and injury to one passenger.