Irish airline Aer Lingus was Monday investigating an incident in which a passenger broke a leg on an overnight transatlantic flight during turbulence caused by another aircraft.
It happened an hour ahead of arrival at New York's Kennedy airport when the Aer Lingus plane encountered turbulence caused by the other jet flying eight miles (13 kilometres) in front.
The injured woman, who had been walking in an aisle, was treated by a doctor on board. Another passenger received minor injuries.
Aer Lingus chief operating officer Willie Walsh said the turbulence happened when the jet was climbing to 38,000 feet.
"It was what we call in the industry weight turbulence from another aircraft. It caused our flight to bank first in one direction and then in the other," he said.
"The captain was aware of the other aircraft ahead and was under air traffic control from Gander, Newfoundland. The aircraft ahead was travelling faster.
"It would not be normal for an aircraft to encounter turbulence at that distance, and that is what we are investigating. It is also being investigated by the United States authorities." -- DUBLIN (AFP)
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