Narrative:

I was cleared to climb to 9000 feet MSL. The climb out included some light turbulence. After being handed off to center; the controller said there was extreme precipitation at my 2 o'clock; and 5 miles. I could see this system on my radar screen; but my flight path was going to keep the aircraft away from this cell.I was VMC for a few minutes after the controller told me about the heavy rain. After a few minutes; I was IMC with moderate rain. All of a sudden; I experienced a bout of severe turbulence. The jolt sent my headset and glasses flying through the aircraft. It was as though there was a sharp downdraft; followed by an atrocious updraft. For a moment; I did not have control of the aircraft. Once I gained control of the aircraft; I looked around to see the passengers. Aside from being very shaken up; each of them seemed okay. My passenger in row 4; however; was bent over; and she was holding the top of her head. We were still flying through moderate turbulence with rain showers. I could see it was beginning to get light in a few miles; so I knew the weather was about to improve. I notified ATC of the severe turbulence; and the location at which I encountered it.once we were VMC; I scanned over the aircraft to try and assess any structural damage. I also began talking with my passengers to make sure nobody needed any immediate medical attention. I made the decision to keep flying towards [the destination airport]. I made a slow descent to 5000 feet MSL; which would keep me out of all clouds; and hopefully; any further turbulence. We landed without further incident. The passengers were met by emts; and each was given an examination. One passenger was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The pilot of a C402 reported severe turbulence that resulted in a momentary loss of control and injury to one passenger.

Narrative: I was cleared to climb to 9000 feet MSL. The climb out included some light turbulence. After being handed off to Center; the controller said there was extreme precipitation at my 2 o'clock; and 5 miles. I could see this system on my radar screen; but my flight path was going to keep the aircraft away from this cell.I was VMC for a few minutes after the controller told me about the heavy rain. After a few minutes; I was IMC with moderate rain. All of a sudden; I experienced a bout of severe turbulence. The jolt sent my headset and glasses flying through the aircraft. It was as though there was a sharp downdraft; followed by an atrocious updraft. For a moment; I did not have control of the aircraft. Once I gained control of the aircraft; I looked around to see the passengers. Aside from being very shaken up; each of them seemed okay. My passenger in row 4; however; was bent over; and she was holding the top of her head. We were still flying through moderate turbulence with rain showers. I could see it was beginning to get light in a few miles; so I knew the weather was about to improve. I notified ATC of the severe turbulence; and the location at which I encountered it.Once we were VMC; I scanned over the aircraft to try and assess any structural damage. I also began talking with my passengers to make sure nobody needed any immediate medical attention. I made the decision to keep flying towards [the destination airport]. I made a slow descent to 5000 feet MSL; which would keep me out of all clouds; and hopefully; any further turbulence. We landed without further incident. The passengers were met by EMTs; and each was given an examination. One passenger was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further evaluation.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.