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The flight crew of a B737-800; after encountering severe weather at FL380; diverted to land at the nearest airport.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1371971 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201607 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.ARTCC |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | IMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | B737-800 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 128 Flight Crew Type 8500 |
| Person 2 | |
| Function | Other / Unknown |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types Deviation - Track / Heading All Types Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence |
Narrative:
During cruise at FL380; we were approaching an area of weather. We told ATC that we needed deviation left for weather. The controller told us to 'standby.' shortly thereafter we said we needed left for weather; and got no response. Seconds later; the controller gave us a frequency change and we made the turn on our own without clearance. We encountered severe turbulence with the altitude deviating between FL390 and FL370 and the autopilot disengaging. The first officer (first officer) [advised ATC] with ATC immediately. The fas (flight attendants) said that everyone was seated when we encountered the turbulence and that no one was injured. The first officer and I decided that ZZZ was the best option to divert; to ensure there was no aircraft damage. I coordinated the diversion with dispatch via radio and ACARS. ATC cleared us direct. I told the fas we were diverting; I then told the passengers. The first officer and I reviewed the diversion checklist and performed the other normal checklists. The descent and approach were normal. Paramedics met the aircraft. They checked two passengers and released both: maintenance did their complete inspection; found no damage; and returned the aircraft to service. Two flight attendants remained with the flight. Two were not emotionally able to continue and were replaced.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: The flight crew of a B737-800; after encountering severe weather at FL380; diverted to land at the nearest airport.
Narrative: During cruise at FL380; we were approaching an area of weather. We told ATC that we needed deviation left for weather. The Controller told us to 'Standby.' Shortly thereafter we said we needed left for weather; and got no response. Seconds later; the Controller gave us a frequency change and we made the turn on our own without clearance. We encountered severe turbulence with the altitude deviating between FL390 and FL370 and the autopilot disengaging. The FO (First Officer) [advised ATC] with ATC immediately. The FAs (Flight Attendants) said that everyone was seated when we encountered the turbulence and that no one was injured. The First Officer and I decided that ZZZ was the best option to divert; to ensure there was no aircraft damage. I coordinated the diversion with Dispatch via radio and ACARS. ATC cleared us direct. I told the FAs we were diverting; I then told the Passengers. The FO and I reviewed the diversion checklist and performed the other normal checklists. The descent and approach were normal. Paramedics met the aircraft. They checked two Passengers and released both: Maintenance did their complete inspection; found no damage; and returned the aircraft to service. Two Flight Attendants remained with the flight. Two were not emotionally able to continue and were replaced.
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.