Severe Turbulence on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 Results in Fatality and Dozens of Injuries

On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, traveling from London to Singapore, encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, leading to one fatality and numerous injuries. The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, experienced a rapid change in gravitational force, causing unbelted passengers and crew to become airborne.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the importance of air safety regulations and the need for airlines to prioritize passenger safety. The consequences of such incidents can be devastating, resulting in loss of life and injuries, and can also impact the aviation industry as a whole.

Preliminary findings from the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) revealed that the aircraft experienced a vertical acceleration change from -1.5G to +1.5G within four seconds. This sudden shift resulted in an altitude drop of 178 feet, from 37,362 feet to 37,184 feet. The turbulence caused 42 people to be hospitalized, including 26 passengers receiving medical treatment in Bangkok.

The incident began at 07:49:21 UTC when the aircraft was flying over southern Myanmar at an altitude of 37,000 feet. Developing convective activity in the atmosphere led to fluctuations in G-force, ranging from +0.44G to +1.57G for 19 seconds. The autopilot pitched the aircraft downwards to return to the selected altitude after an uncommanded increase in altitude was recorded.

At 07:49:40 UTC, the aircraft experienced a rapid change in G-force, with vertical acceleration dropping from +1.35G to -1.5G within 0.6 seconds. This caused unbelted occupants to become airborne. One second later, the vertical acceleration shifted from -1.5G to +1.5G within four seconds, resulting in airborne occupants falling back down. The pilots manually controlled the aircraft for 21 seconds before re-engaging the autopilot.

The turbulence caused chaos in the cabin, with passengers being thrown upwards and into the aisle. One passenger, Dzafran Azmir, described the scene: 'Suddenly the aircraft starts tilting up and there was shaking... everyone seated and not wearing seatbelts was launched immediately into the ceiling.'

The flight was diverted to Bangkok for emergency support. A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack, and at least 30 people were injured, some critically. Singapore Airlines acknowledged the report and is cooperating fully with the investigation.

In response to the incident, Hong Kong's Greater Bay Airlines announced that it would require passengers to fasten their seatbelts at all times during the flight, even when the seatbelt sign is off, starting from Thursday. This new safety measure aims to prevent similar injuries in the future.

The investigation team, comprising representatives from the TSIB, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Boeing, is continuing to analyze data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder to determine the cause of the severe turbulence and to identify measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident highlights the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights to protect passengers from injuries during severe turbulence. As Singapore Airlines stated, 'The best way to prevent injuries during severe turbulence is to always keep your seatbelt fastened.'

Key Takeaways

• Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, causing 1 fatality and numerous injuries.
• The Boeing 777-300ER aircraft experienced a rapid change in gravitational force, causing unbelted passengers and crew to become airborne.
• The turbulence caused 42 people to be hospitalized, including 26 passengers receiving medical treatment in Bangkok.
• The incident highlights the importance of wearing seatbelts during flights to prevent injuries during severe turbulence.
• Airlines are responding by implementing new safety measures, such as requiring passengers to fasten their seatbelts at all times during the flight.