Singapore Airlines turbulence investigation not yet complete, ministry says
(VOVWORLD) - Singapore authorities said Tuesday that they are still waiting for an analysis of the plane's weather radar systems in their investigation of last year's Singapore Airline flight that hit turbulence, injuring dozens and killing one.
 The interior of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 is pictured after an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, May 21, 2024. (Photo:REUTERS) |
A 73-year-old passenger likely died of a heart attack after flight SQ321 from London to Singapore hit sudden, extreme turbulence over Myanmar.
It was civil aviation's first death linked to airplane turbulence in 25 years and put seatbelt practices in the spotlight. It also prompted calls from the airline industry for improved turbulence forecasting as experts warn severe weather patterns brought about by climate change could lead to more incidents.
In a preliminary report last year, the transport ministry said rapid changes in gravitational forces over 4.6 seconds resulting in an altitude drop of 54 m likely caused passengers and crew to become airborne and then fall, causing the injuries.
Global aviation guidelines call for an initial report within 30 days of an accident and a final one ideally within a year. The ministry said a final report would be issued once the investigation is complete.