Singapore’s Transport Ministry has released early findings of a probe into a Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence last week.
The preliminary findings suggest a rapid change in gravitational force and a 54-metre altitude drop were the primary cause of passengers’ injuries.
Airlines are already implementing stricter seatbelt requirements in the wake of the incident. Some have stopped serving hot food and others have stipulated that the seatbelt be worn even when the fasten seatbelt sign is off.
A 73-year-old man died of a suspected heart attack, and dozens injured on flight SQ321 from London to Singapore over Myanmar. There are 42 passengers still in Bangkok, including 26 passengers receiving medical treatment in hospital. Among those initially hospitalised were patients with spinal cord injuries and some with brain and skull injuries.
The report said: “The flight encountering slight vibrations there was an uncommanded increase in altitude, resulting in the autopilot pitching the aircraft downwards. The pilots experienced an increase in airspeed and responded by applying speed brakes. While managing the airspeed, it was heard that a pilot called out that the fasten seat belt sign had been switched on.”
“The aircraft experienced a rapid change in Gravitational force. This likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne. The vertical acceleration changed from negative 1.5G to positive 1.5G within 4 seconds. This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down. The rapid changes in G over the 4.6 seconds duration resulted in an altitude drop of 178 ft [54 metres], from 37,362 ft to 37,184 ft. This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers.”
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