The ATSB is investigating a turbulence event involving Boeing 737, VH-VYK, being operated on flight QF520 from Sydney to Brisbane on 4 May 2024. It was reported that as the aircraft was passing 11,500 ft on descent, with the seatbelt sign on and cabin crew not yet seated, the aircraft encountered turbulence. One of the cabin crew members sustained a serious ankle injury. The flight crew notified ATC, and an ambulance crew was waiting for the aircraft on arrival.
In the course of the investigation, the ATSB has identified potential limitations in risk controls relevant to the occurrence that potentially contributed to the occurrence. Examination of these factors represent a significant increase in the scope of this investigation, and it has been upgraded from Short to Defined as a result (the ATSB's different levels of investigation are detailed here).
The ATSB has completed the evidence collection and analysis phases of the investigation and is drafting the final report.
The final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.