A 73-year-old British man died and seven others were seriously injured when a flight from London to Singapore met severe turbulence on May 21, 2024. individuals on the aircraft captured video footage of the aftermath, which showed wreckage, open overhead compartments, and injured individuals being stretchered off the plane. The Singapore Airlines crew described it as the most severe turbulence they had ever encountered during their 30-year career. The flight was redirected to Bangkok and landed around 3:45 p.m. local time.
What was the turbulent incident of May 21, 2024?
Passengers on the journey described the terrifying encounter, with one alleging that the jet descended 6,000 feet without notice. Several persons were propelled into the ceiling, causing injuries. The pilot declared an emergency and sought to land at Bangkok, the nearest airport. There were seven severe injuries, 23 moderate injuries, and the rest were minor.
What creates turbulence in aero planes.
Turbulence is simply the movement of disturbed air that an aeroplane encounters while flying. The degree of turbulence is determined by both the aircraft’s mass and the speed and direction of the wind. Turbulence is common on aeroplanes, but deaths and injuries are rare.
Strong winds near the airport can cause turbulence when flights take off and land. At higher altitudes, up- and downward-flowing air in storm clouds can cause mild to severe turbulence as planes travel through or near them.
Turbulence can also be created by upward-moving airflows over mountains. “As the air blows over the mountain, the plane gets lifted up and can become turbulent,” says Paul Williams of Reading University in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, turbulence is common along the edges of jet streams, which are intense air currents that circle the globe. “Clear air” turbulence is defined as any turbulence that occurs outside of clouds.
The severity of turbulence encounters can be influenced by the airplane’s size, with smaller aircraft being more prone to severe turbulence.
Turbulence that Caused the Singapore Airlines Accident
The incidence prompted an investigation into the cause of the significant turbulence. The investigation will involve obtaining information from the flight and cabin crews, as well as reviewing recorded flight data. A cockpit voice recorder can provide vital information. The investigation will result in a report that outlines what happened and may include recommendations to avoid such situations in the future.
According to Paul Williams, determining the type of turbulence that caused the Singapore Airlines incident could take several weeks.Although there was a storm nearby, the conditions were great for clear air turbulence. The aviation industry is striving to solve this problem.
How can we reduce mortality in the future.
For passengers concerned about turbulence, experts recommend buckling seat belts while sitting as the most effective method of protection. Pre-flight briefings, meteorological forecasts, and reports from other aircraft ahead can assist pilots anticipate turbulence, but surprise encounters remain possible. The investigation will most likely centre on whether seat belt indicators were illuminated at the time and the repercussions for passengers who were not strapped in.
Singapore Airlines has sent a team to Bangkok to support the crew and assist with the inquiry. They have also provided assistance to passengers and their families. Relatives of the victims have arrived at Singapore’s Changi Airport, where they have received support and privacy. Healthy passengers are expected to arrive in Singapore within the next few hours. Overall, the catastrophe has raised concerns in the aviation industry, and it will be a long time before we know what went wrong on that fateful day.