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DCA15CA125

2015-05-23 · Atlanta, Georgia, United States · Serious · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Current FAA registration · N334NW

Make / Model
AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A320-212
Year of manufacture
1992 · 23 years old at event
Engine
CFM INTL. CFM56 SERIES (2200 hp)
Seats / Engines
182 seats · 2 engines
Last airworthiness date
19960712
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A3A5EC

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

the flight attendant's failure to secure her lap belt and shoulder harness prior to the takeoff that resulted in her being thrown from her jumpseat shortly after takeoff.

Factual narrative

After completing her pre-takeoff safety check of the cabin, the flight attendant (FA) sat down in the jumpseat but reported that her lap buckle was stuck under the seat bottom and so was unable to secure her harness during the takeoff roll. After takeoff and in the initial climb, the FA stood up to release the buckle from the seat bottom and then before she was able to buckle her seatbelt, was thrown from her seat onto the galley floor injuring her side. The FA was assisted back to her seat and was unable to complete her duties. The flight returned to the departure airport where emergency medical technicians met the plane. The injured FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with two fractured ribs. After completing her pre-takeoff safety check of the cabin, the flight attendant (FA) sat down in the jumpseat but reported that her lap buckle was stuck under the seat bottom and so was unable to secure her harness during the takeoff roll. After takeoff and in the initial climb, the FA stood up to release the buckle from the seat bottom and then before she was able to buckle her seatbelt, was thrown from her seat onto the galley floor injuring her side. The FA was assisted back to her seat and was unable to complete her duties. The flight returned to the departure airport where emergency medical technicians met the plane. The injured FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with two fractured ribs. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Use of equip/system-Cabin crew - C
  • F Environmental issues-Task environment-Physical workspace-Positioning/available space-Effect on operation - F
  • F Personnel issues-Task performance-Inspection-Preflight inspection-Cabin crew - F

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2015_DCA15CA125.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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