Singapore Airlines flight plummets 54 meters in less than five seconds | Wilnesh News

Preliminary findings released on Wednesday showed that the Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence on its way from London to Singapore and dropped 54 meters in less than five seconds.

this Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau said the sharp drop in altitude and changes in gravity may have contributed to the injuries. In the incident on May 21, one person died of suspected heart disease, and many of the 211 passengers and 18 crew members on board were injured.

“The rapid change in G (gravity) within 4.6 seconds resulted in an altitude loss of 178 feet, from 37,362 feet to 37,184 feet. This series of events could have resulted in injuries to the crew and passengers,” the report said Wednesday.

Changes in gravity “could have caused passengers to lift off without wearing seat belts,” the report said. They fall back almost immediately as vertical acceleration becomes negative, the report adds.

The report, based on data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, said the pilot took control amid fluctuations in gravity in an attempt to stabilize the plane. It also said that the seat belt fastening signal was turned on after the incident.

After the incident on flight SQ321, the flight was diverted to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, where he received medical services.

The report stated that at the time of the incident, the aircraft was “possibly flying over an area with active convective activity” over Myanmar. Convection activity is related to temperature changes in the air, which can create air currents that cause turbulence.

According to the agency, turbulence-related events are the most common type of accident for commercial airlines National Transportation Safety Boardbut serious injuries are rare.

In a statement shared on social media, Singapore Airlines said it acknowledged the findings and was cooperating with relevant authorities.

“The safety and well-being of our passengers and employees is our top priority,” airline says.

“We are committed to supporting the passengers and crew on SQ321 that day, as well as their families and loved ones. This includes paying for their medical and hospital bills, as well as any additional assistance they may need.”

After the incident, Singapore Airlines said it had adjusted its seat belt policy to respond to turbulence with a “more cautious approach”. This includes no longer serving hot drinks and meals when the seat belt sign is on.

Flight data also shows that journeys between London and Singapore have taken slightly different routes since the incident, avoiding the area where the incident occurred.