Boeing 777 involved in fatal turbulence incident returns to Singapore

Summary

Singapore Airlines has returned its Boeing 777-300ER to Singapore after it encountered extreme turbulence last week.
The airline has updated its seatbelt policies following the fatal incident.
Experts attribute the increase in turbulence to climate change.

The Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER that encountered severe turbulence during a flight from London to Singapore last week has returned to its main base at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). The airline ferried the aircraft on Sunday after it was grounded in Bangkok for five days following the turbulence incident.

The serious and fatal incident, which rocked the industry, prompted Singapore Airlines to revise its seatbelt policy on board flights, amid increasing reports of extreme turbulence, which experts say is caused by climate change.

Trajectory

According to Reuters, Singapore Airlines confirmed that the 777-300ER was flown back to SIN and that the airline is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in the investigation of the incident. Data from FlightAware shows that the aircraft, registration 9V-SWM, departed Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 10:49 a.m. on Sunday as SQ9071.

Photo: Flightradar24

It took off from runway 19R and flew south over the Gulf of Thailand, reaching its cruising altitude of 39,000 feet after about 17 minutes. The aircraft flew for just over an hour, crossing over Malaysia before beginning its initial descent. It arrived in Singapore at 1:39 p.m. – making the flight duration one hour and 50 minutes. Flight data does not indicate future flights by 9V-SWM. It will likely remain out of service while authorities continue their investigation.

Details of the incident

The aircraft was en route from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to SIN on Monday 20 May as SQ321 when it encountered severe turbulence and was quickly diverted to Bangkok. 211 passengers and 18 crew were on board. It is believed that the aircraft suddenly lost altitude, causing people without seatbelts to be thrown to the cabin ceiling. Several were injured and sadly a 73-year-old British man died, believed to have had a heart attack.

According to Reuters, 52 people are still in Bangkok, including 40 passengers and one crew member who are being treated in a hospital. Five people – three from Australia, one from the UK and one from New Zealand – are in intensive care. Another incident occurred on Sunday when a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin, Ireland, encountered turbulence. According to the airline, 12 people were injured. Although the injuries are minor, they received medical treatment.

Will there be further turbulence?

Clear-air turbulence, which is often responsible for the most serious incidents, is caused by several factors. It is dangerous because it is more difficult for air traffic controllers and pilots to predict when planning a flight route. Because it is harder to predict, it is challenging for flight crews to avoid it. Experts believe that climate change is affecting clear-air turbulence, making it more frequent and intense.

Airplane flies through clouds and turbulence

Invisible danger: A closer look at turbulence in clear air

Recent incidents have raised concerns about this phenomenon among many people.

Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, spoke to USA TODAY last year about the increase in reports of severe turbulence.

“The increase is due to climate change. The atmosphere is becoming more turbulent; there will be more turbulence in the atmosphere.”

Another expert agreed with Williams’ statement.

“With climate change, turbulence will become more frequent and intense,” said Thomas Guinn, chair of applied aeronautical sciences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

According to Flight Injury The Law Office of Brohrer & Lukeman, turbulence is the leading cause of injury in aviation accidents. In the United States, nearly 60 people are injured by turbulence each year. Two-thirds of turbulence incidents occur at altitudes of 30,000 feet or more and can occur without warning.

Passengers should always wear seat belts when seated, even if the seat belt sign is not illuminated. Singapore Airlines updated its seat belt policy late last week, confirming that hot beverage and meal service will be suspended when the seat belt sign is illuminated.