Clear-air turbulence injures two passengers on Air China flight

(ECNS) -- Air China flight CA1524 from Shanghai to Beijing experienced severe clear-air turbulence Monday.

The airline said on Tuesday that one passenger and one stewardess were injured during the incident.

The flight landed at 17:18, and the injured passenger and crew member were transferred to the hospital accompanied by Air China staff.

"In the last 30-40 minutes or so before landing, there was a sudden sharp drop. Then there was another violent drop, which threw the a flight attendant helping passengers return to their seats and a passenger to the ceiling,” passenger Xing Lida recalled on his Weibo account.

“An exit sign was shattered. Those who were thrown upwards got injured. The passengers were genuinely frightened," he said.

“However, flight attendants provided medical assistance to the injured passengers in a professional and calm manner,” Xing said.

Clear-air turbulence can potentially cause injuries to passengers, but does not generally lead to a crash, according to civil aviation expert Li Hanming. Li reminded passengers that it is important to keep their seat belts fastened throughout the entire flight to prevent injury.