NTSB Report Faults Hawaiian Airlines Pilots for Severe Turbulence Incident

The 2022 turbulence injured 20 people after the flight crew chose to fly over a hazardous storm cell despite weather warnings.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the flight crew's decision to fly over an observed storm cell caused severe turbulence on a Hawaiian Airlines flight in December 2022.
The turbulence injured 20 people, including three passengers and one crew member with serious injuries, and caused significant cabin damage.
Forecasts had warned of unstable atmospheric conditions and potential turbulence, but the crew opted not to deviate from their flight path.
Passengers described the turbulence as a 'free fall,' with some being thrown into the ceiling and onto the floor, resulting in head injuries and bruising.
Hawaiian Airlines stated it has conducted an internal review and will continue to enhance its weather-avoidance training for flight crews.