Seems odd to be hitting your head on the ceiling with lap and shoulder harness on. I guess in the mountains, you just never know and need to always have that lap belt tight........
The WestJet Encore De Havilland DHC-8-400, C-GWRE, was operating as flight WEN3613 from
Seattle (KSEA), WA to Calgary (CYYC), AB. During descent through 13 000 feet asl, approximately
35 nm SW of CYYC, WEN3613 entered severe unexpected turbulence. The flight crew
experienced a momentary loss of control and the auto pilot disengaged. As the aircraft penetrated
the turbulence, the flight crew members struck their heads on the ceiling of the flight deck. Both
flight crew members were wearing the provided lap belts and shoulder harnesses. The captain
received minor injuries. The lead flight attendant also received minor injuries from striking the L1
entrance door during the turbulence. Both crew members were able to continue to perform their
duties for the remainder of the flight. The cabin crew and passengers were all wearing their seat
belts. There were no passenger injuries. The flight continued to CYYC and landed without further
issue.
Tighten Those Seat Belts
Moderators: sky's the limit, sepia, Sulako, lilfssister, North Shore
-
Canadaflyer46
- Rank 7
- Posts: 619
- Joined: Sun Aug 01, 2021 4:27 pm
Re: Tighten Those Seat Belts
The Q is god damn awful in turbulence. And that arrival from the west puts guys right in the worst area at the worst altitude. It's a perilous job being a Dash FA.
Re: Tighten Those Seat Belts
Nine out of ten times I see someone wearing an adjustable belt, it is not secured properly. When conducting training or even when I'm just along for a ride I always point this out.
One needs to be seated, not slouched, in their chair and the lap belt tightened first so that the belt stays low and does not allow you to get up from your seat. Yes, this can be uncomfortable, I loosen up in cruise but on departure/arrival and whenever bumpy it goes snug. It's not nice to hit your head. In the case of an accident, you want your belts to be optimally used, of course, too.
If the shoulder harness is on an inertia-reel, the lap belt needs to be done up at least tightly enough so the friction prevents the shoulder harness from lifting the lap belt higher on the body. If the lap belt isn't holding down your hips, you'll slide right up and smack your head.
If the shoulder harness isn't on an inertia reel, again tighten your lap belt first. Then, the shoulder harness to where you want to restrict your upper body but pay attention and take care to not let the shoulder harness pull the lap belt up above your belt line.
One needs to be seated, not slouched, in their chair and the lap belt tightened first so that the belt stays low and does not allow you to get up from your seat. Yes, this can be uncomfortable, I loosen up in cruise but on departure/arrival and whenever bumpy it goes snug. It's not nice to hit your head. In the case of an accident, you want your belts to be optimally used, of course, too.
If the shoulder harness is on an inertia-reel, the lap belt needs to be done up at least tightly enough so the friction prevents the shoulder harness from lifting the lap belt higher on the body. If the lap belt isn't holding down your hips, you'll slide right up and smack your head.
If the shoulder harness isn't on an inertia reel, again tighten your lap belt first. Then, the shoulder harness to where you want to restrict your upper body but pay attention and take care to not let the shoulder harness pull the lap belt up above your belt line.
