Event MIA00LA271

Factual narrative

On September 26, 2000, about 0540 eastern daylight time, a Boeing 777-223, N789AN, call sign AAL908, operated by American Airlines Inc., encountered severe turbulence while descending for approach to Miami International Airport (MIA), Miami, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and an instrument flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 121 regularly scheduled international flight. The airplane was not damaged. The flightcrew of 3, 12 flight attendants, and 152 passengers reported no injuries. One passenger reported serious injuries. The flight had departed Buenos Aires, Argentina International Airport, en route to Miami, Florida, at 2213, September 25, 2000. The flight was descending out of FL190 to 10,000 feet and was maneuvering around weather cells, at a location about 60 miles southeast of Miami, when it encountered severe turbulence. A passenger that was exiting a lavatory fell and broke a leg. At the time of the accident the seat belt sign was "ON" and a passenger arrival announcement had been made instructing the passengers to remain in their seats with seat belt fastened. The flight landed at Miami without further incident. While descending out of FL190 to 10,000 feet and maneuvering around weather cells, about 60 miles southeast of the airport, the flight encountered severe turbulence. A passenger that was exiting a lavatory fell and broke a leg. At the time of the accident the seat belt sign was 'ON' and the passengers had been instructed to remain in their seats with seat belt fastened. The flight landed without further incident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12