Aer Lingus was today investigating an incident in which a woman passenger broke a leg during turbulence on an overnight trans-Atlantic flight caused by another aircraft.
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It happened an hour ahead of the jet's scheduled arrival at New York's Kennedy Airport on a flight from Belfast and Shannon when it encountered turbulence caused by the other plane flying eight miles in front.
The injured woman was walking in an aisle of the Aer Lingus plane and received assistance from a surgeon on board. Another passenger received minor injuries.
Aer Lingus chief operating officer Mr Willie Walsh said the unexpected turbulence had happened when the jet was climbing to 38,000 feet.
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"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.
"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." PA