The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): A rapid change in gravitational forces over 4.6 seconds caused a Singapore Airlines flight to drop 178 feet, resulting in injuries to passengers and crew, according to a preliminary investigation released on Wednesday. The incident occurred on May 21, affecting Flight SQ321 en route from London to Singapore.
The turbulence struck during breakfast service as the Boeing 777-300ER flew over the Irrawaddy Basin in Myanmar. One British passenger died, and dozens were injured. Passengers described the experience as terrifying.
The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) conducted the investigation, analyzing data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. The report revealed that the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet near developing storms when it experienced G-force fluctuations between +0.44g and +1.57g over 19 seconds.
G-forces measure acceleration or deceleration compared to Earth’s gravity, which is +1g. At +1.57g, a person feels 1.57 times their body weight. As the plane climbed to 37,362 feet, the autopilot attempted to return it to its cruise altitude, prompting the pilots to activate the seat belt sign.
Eight seconds later, G-forces rapidly shifted from +1.35g to -1.5g within 0.6 seconds, causing a sensation of “floating” and making unsecured passengers and crew airborne. The forces then swung back to +1.5g, causing the aircraft to drop from 37,362 feet to 37,184 feet, resulting in injuries.
The pilots disengaged the autopilot to stabilize the plane before re-engaging it and diverting to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where they landed at 4:45 PM.
The TSIB investigation team included representatives from the US’ National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing. Singapore Airlines (SIA) acknowledged the preliminary findings and is cooperating with authorities. SIA is supporting passengers and crew by covering medical expenses and providing additional assistance. The flight included three Indian nationals.
“We deeply appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by the governments of Singapore and Thailand, as well as our many partners and the medical teams in both countries and around the world,” SIA stated.