Narrative:

During our descent the flight experienced one isolated event of severe turbulence. The flight prior to the event and after experienced zero to light turbulence. There was a small thunderstorm near the airport at the time with virga; visibility 10 miles; and an 11;500 ceiling. The passenger and flight attendant briefing to prepare the cabin for arrival had been completed. The first officer stated that he emphasized to the passengers to keep their seat belts securely fastened for the rest of the flight. The aircraft was in a descent; seat belt sign on; below the turbulent penetration speed of 180 KTS. The event during the moment of turbulence lasted approximately 2 seconds; as stated it was not continuous; but one isolated; severe 'chop'. During the event; the seat belts around two different passengers became detached at their connection point on the frame of the seat. During this moment; they impacted the overhead bin above their seat. No further injuries; or turbulence was experienced for the remainder of the flight. After the moment of turbulence; the first officer called back to check on the flight attendant and he stated at that moment everybody was ok; shaken up; but ok. When the passengers entered the terminal; they complained of head/neck pain and the crash fire rescue equipment was summoned to attend to them. After the flight was completed the flight attendant complained of a dull pain at the base of his skull; behind his neck. After initial analysis; paramedics were called and the two passengers and the flight attendant were transported to the local hospital. The most distressing aspect of this event; was the seat belts becoming detached during an isolated turbulent event that yes; should be described as severe; but not unlike I personally; or in conversation with the first officer; have experienced before in various summer conditions.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Dash 8-200 Captain reports two passenger were injured during severe turbulence encounter. The injuries occurred when the seatbelt ends failed or became detached from the attach points on the seat.

Narrative: During our descent the flight experienced one isolated event of severe turbulence. The flight prior to the event and after experienced zero to light turbulence. There was a small thunderstorm near the airport at the time with virga; visibility 10 miles; and an 11;500 ceiling. The passenger and flight attendant briefing to prepare the cabin for arrival had been completed. The First Officer stated that he emphasized to the passengers to keep their seat belts securely fastened for the rest of the flight. The aircraft was in a descent; seat belt sign on; below the turbulent penetration speed of 180 KTS. The event during the moment of turbulence lasted approximately 2 seconds; as stated it was not continuous; but one isolated; severe 'chop'. During the event; the seat belts around two different passengers became detached at their connection point on the frame of the seat. During this moment; they impacted the overhead bin above their seat. No further injuries; or turbulence was experienced for the remainder of the flight. After the moment of turbulence; the First Officer called back to check on the Flight Attendant and he stated at that moment everybody was ok; shaken up; but ok. When the passengers entered the terminal; they complained of head/neck pain and the CFR was summoned to attend to them. After the flight was completed the Flight Attendant complained of a dull pain at the base of his skull; behind his neck. After initial analysis; paramedics were called and the two passengers and the Flight Attendant were transported to the local hospital. The most distressing aspect of this event; was the seat belts becoming detached during an isolated turbulent event that yes; should be described as severe; but not unlike I personally; or in conversation with the First Officer; have experienced before in various summer conditions.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.