Serious incident Airbus A340-311 D-AIGK, Wednesday 18 September 1996

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Date:	Wednesday 18 September 1996
Time:	17:45 LT
Type:	Airbus A340-311
Owner/operator:	Lufthansa
Registration:	D-AIGK
MSN:	56
Year of manufacture:	1994
Engine model:	CFMI CFM56
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 174
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	None
Category:	Serious incident
Location:	San Antonio, TX - United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport:	Houston Intercontinental Airport, TX (IAH/KIAH)
Destination airport:	Dfw, TX (KDFW)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The captain reported that approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, while at FL280, the aircraft's airborne weather radar indicated a possible area of turbulence ahead. The captain turned on the seat belt sign. When the flight was 20 nautical miles north of Three Rivers, Texas (THX), the captain made an announcement over the public address (PA) system for the cabin attendants to take their seats. The flight encountered 'strong' turbulence, 30 nautical miles north of San Antonio, Texas, near HENLY intersection. A total of 8 passengers received minor injuries, 3 of which were infants (ages 3 months, 5 months, and 16 months). A severe turbulence inspection was performed and no aircraft damage was found.

Probable Cause: turbulence, and failure of passengers to properly fasten their seat belts and properly hold lap children after the captain announced expected turbulence.

Accident investigation: