SQ321 incident Probe awaits result of US tests on aircraft's weather radar system

Components of the weather radar system on board Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, which experienced severe turbulence in May 2024, have been sent to the US for examination and testing.

- Kok Yufeng

However, the results of the examination and tests are still pending, and the final accident report will be made public when the inquiry has concluded, said Singapore transport investigators looking into the incident, which left one dead and 79 others injured.

The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), a department within Singapore's Ministry of Transport, gave this update in an interim statement on May 27, six days after the first anniversary of the ill-fated flight on May 21, 2024.

The TSIB said investigations into the turbulence event are under way and being conducted in accordance with international requirements.

The bureau is being aided by investigators from the US' National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration, with support from aircraft maker Boeing and other parties.

According to international guidelines for aircraft accident investigations, states are required to issue a preliminary report within 30 days of the accident and a final report within 12 months, if possible.

If not, an interim statement detailing the investigation's progress should be released annually on the anniversary of the accident.