An easyJet cabin crew worker was left with a broken ankle following severe turbulence on a flight after it left Gatwick airport.
Another cabin crew member suffered severe bruising when the Airbus A320 encountered the turbulence, in a clear sky, as it descended towards Milan’s Malpensa airport.
A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the 137 passengers on board were not injured during the incident on January 30 this year.
The report said that in pre-flight preparations, the flight crew noted that only low levels of turbulence were forecast, "although there had been a report of severe turbulence over the Alps at FL (flight level) 220 (22,000ft)".
It went on: "During the descent, the flight crew asked ATC (air traffic control) if there were any turbulence reports along their intended track and were told that light to moderate turbulence had been reported.
"The commander (captain) warned the cabin crew of the possibility of turbulence and instructed them to secure the cabin. A few minutes later, passing FL220, the aircraft had two brief but severe clear-air turbulence encounters in quick succession."
The AAIB continued: "Two members of the cabin crew were injured in the turbulence encounters so the flight crew arranged for medical staff to meet the aircraft on its arrival.
"The injured crew members were taken to hospital where one was found to have suffered a broken ankle and the other severe bruising."
Additional reporting Press Association
