Created Friday, Dec 18th 2020 19:52Z, last updated Friday, Dec 18th 2020 19:52Z
A Maleth Aero Airbus A340-600, registration 9H-PPE performing flight DB-221 from Bournemouth,EN (UK) to New York JFK,NY (USA) with 5 people on board, was enroute at FL380 over the Atantic Ocean when the crew reduced their speed in preparation for predicted moderate turbulence. About 660nm eastnortheast of Goose Bay,NL (Canada) the turbulence increased to severe making it impossible for the crew to type a descent request into the CPDLC (Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications), the crew was also unable to establish contact with Gander Oceanic on HF radio. The crew therefore performed oceanic contingency procedures, broadcast a PAN PAN call and descended to FL340. Gander Oceanic subsequently acknowledged and cleared the flight for FL340, the crew cancelled PAN PAN and continued to destination without further incident landing at JFK about 4 hours later.
The Canadian TSB reported there were no injuries. After landing the quick access recorder was downloaded, analysis of the flight data showed the loads on the aircraft had remained within limitations. An inspection of the aircraft did not find any faults.
