Narrative:

At FL270 approximately 200 nm west of flity; we encountered severe turbulence in clear air; with no warning. Flight attendants were immediately seated; and the seat belt sign was already on due to intermittent light to moderate chop. We experienced altitude excursions of over 400 ft above and below cruise altitude; plus and minus 20 KIAS from selected airspeed of 290; and 30 deg of roll right and left. Being unable to contact san francisco arinc in a timely manner; we turned right to a 15 nm offset; and started a descent; notifying other traffic on guard frequency of the turbulence; and our intentions. We [advised ATC] when we were finally able to contact san francisco arinc; and requested they notify [company] of our situation. ATC had by then responded to our initial request for lower altitude advising that it was not available. The turbulence stopped around FL230 and it was very smooth at FL220; where we leveled off. Total time in the turbulence was around 10 minutes. After about 5 minutes we were cleared direct to flity with a block altitude of FL220-240. Once back on a clearance with an assigned altitude and free of the turbulence; we proceeded on to [the destination] uneventfully. No passengers reported injuries. Three flight attendants were in the aft galley; where there are only two flight attendant (flight attendant) jump seats. Number 3 flight attendant; who could not get to her cabin jump seat; instead sat on the other's laps and held on; reported bruising in her ribs from contact with something during the event. I understand she is filing an injury on duty report. No damage was reported in the cabin; and there were no warnings or ECAM messages other than the altitude deviations mentioned earlier. My thanks and complements to first officer (first officer) for his input and assistance; and the cabin crew for taking care of some very sick and apprehensive passengers. On deplaning; everyone was in a good mood; although happy to be on the ground.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A321 Captain reported a Flight Attendant was injured after encountering severe clear air turbulence.

Narrative: At FL270 approximately 200 nm west of FLITY; we encountered severe turbulence in clear air; with no warning. Flight attendants were immediately seated; and the seat belt sign was already on due to intermittent light to moderate chop. We experienced altitude excursions of over 400 ft above and below cruise altitude; plus and minus 20 KIAS from selected airspeed of 290; and 30 deg of roll right and left. Being unable to contact San Francisco ARINC in a timely manner; we turned right to a 15 nm offset; and started a descent; notifying other traffic on guard frequency of the turbulence; and our intentions. We [advised ATC] when we were finally able to contact San Francisco ARINC; and requested they notify [Company] of our situation. ATC had by then responded to our initial request for lower altitude advising that it was not available. The turbulence stopped around FL230 and it was very smooth at FL220; where we leveled off. Total time in the turbulence was around 10 minutes. After about 5 minutes we were cleared direct to FLITY with a block altitude of FL220-240. Once back on a clearance with an assigned altitude and free of the turbulence; we proceeded on to [the destination] uneventfully. No passengers reported injuries. Three Flight Attendants were in the aft galley; where there are only two FA (Flight Attendant) jump seats. Number 3 FA; who could not get to her cabin jump seat; instead sat on the other's laps and held on; reported bruising in her ribs from contact with something during the event. I understand she is filing an Injury on Duty report. No damage was reported in the cabin; and there were no warnings or ECAM messages other than the altitude deviations mentioned earlier. My thanks and complements to FO (First Officer) for his input and assistance; and the cabin crew for taking care of some very sick and apprehensive passengers. On deplaning; everyone was in a good mood; although happy to be on the ground.

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.