You can contribute by submitting additional or updated information.
| Date: | Thursday 11 December 1997 |
| Time: | 06:35 LT |
| Type: |  Saab 340B |
| Owner/operator: | American Eagle Airlines, opb Wings West Airlines |
| Registration: | N329AE |
| MSN: | 340B-329 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 11034 hours |
| Engine model: | GE CT7 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 17 |
| Other fatalities: | 0 |
| Aircraft damage: | None |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | Near Ventura, CA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Passenger - Scheduled |
| Departure airport: | Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, CA (SBA/KSBA) |
| Los Angeles International Airport, CA (LAX/KLAX) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The captain reported that 20 minutes into a smooth flight, and 10 minutes before landing, he felt some light chop so he turned on the seat belt sign. Shortly thereafter, they experienced sudden and violent severe turbulence, seriously injuring the flight attendant. At that time, the flight attendant had completed her service and was about to acknowledge the seat belt sign over the public-address system prior to her being seated for landing. According to the crew, no valid SIGMET was issued and no AIRMET or PIREPS were available.
Probable Cause: Seat belt not used. A related factor was the unforecasted severe air turbulence.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB LAX98LA057
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/5824509 (Photo)
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Mar-2024 06:25 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
| 16-Apr-2025 18:50 | Justanormalperson | Updated [Operator, Location, Departure airport, Destination airport, Source, Narrative, ] |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2025 Flight Safety Foundation