Over 100 people suffered injuries resulting from the sudden changes in gravitational force as a convective force lifted the plane and pilots adjusted.
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore has released preliminary findings regarding the recent severe and sudden turbulence incident involving Singapore Airlines flight SQ32, after extracting and analyzing data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
The flght departed from London on 20 May 2024, and experienced a severe turbulence event on 21 May 2024 while flying over southern Myanmar at an altitude of 37,000 feet. Over 100 people suffered injuries resulting from the sudden changes in gravitational force as a convective force lifted the plane and pilots adjusted. One passenger died and is reported to have suffered a heart attack. The airlne confirmed yesterday that 28 passengers are still in hospital in Bangkok, where the flight diverted.
The investigation team includes TSIB investigators, along with representatives from the United States National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing Boeing . According to the TSIB’s preliminary report, the flight was operating normally until the turbulence began.Rapid Gravitational Force Fluctuations Caused Passenger Injuries
As the TSIB reports, at 07:49:21 UTC on 21 May, while passing over southern Myanmar, the aircraft experienced slight vibrations due to fluctuating gravitational forces. These ranged from +0.44G to +1.57G, over a 19-second period.
Around the same time as the vibrations, the flight recorder notes an uncommanded increase in altitude to 37,362 feet which investigators attribute to “developing convective activity” in the region. The autopilot pitched the aircraft down to return to the selected altitude of 37,000 feet. At the same time, pilots extended speed breaks to counteract an uncommanded increase in airspeed.
The report states that at this point, the CVR record shows “a pilot called out that the fasten seat belt sign had been switched on.” However, passengers onboard the aircraft who have shared their experience have not noted the seatbelt light was on and cabin crew continued with their meal service.
