Air turbulence is a common phenomenon on international flights.
Most airline passengers would experience some bumpiness during some parts of their journey. Some instances of turbulence can be more severe than others.
That said, what happened aboard Singapore Airlines' Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was highly unusual.
The history of commercial aviation suggests that while severe air turbulence has caused injuries among passengers, fatalities are relatively rare. This is because pilots have ample time to warn passengers to buckle up when they detect their planes approaching stormy skies or areas of unstable weather.
Before the incident on May 21 when SQ321 encountered severe turbulence, the last fatality on a scheduled commercial flight was on board a United Airlines flight from Tokyo to Honolulu in 1997, when a passenger died after being thrown from her seat during severe turbulence.
Still, the US National Transportation Safety Board has recorded more than 100 injuries and dozens of deaths over the past decades on US domestic flights. But these fatalities occurred when extreme turbulence resulted in small planes crashing. No commercial aircraft is known to have crashed purely as a result of turbulence.
This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Malfunctioning component among reasons for N-S Line disruption: LTA
A component meant to protect outdoor equipment from power surges, like those from lightning strikes, did not work as intended on June 3, resulting in a traction power fault that disrupted commutes along the northern stretch of the North-South MRT Line for more than two hours during evening peak hours.
WHO warns of escalating health crisis in West Bank
Attacks on health infrastructure, growing restrictions obstructing access to care
Young and old bond over dialect lessons at senior daycare centre
Programme brings sense of purpose to seniors, helps kids develop social skills
Inspiring, strong, loving: Dads show it their way
This Father’s Day, meet four emotionally involved fathers who show true dad-ication
World leaders join peace summit in test of Kyiv's diplomatic clout
Absence of Moscow's powerful allies such as China set to blunt potential impact of talks
Cleanup under way after oil slicks hit Sentosa, East Coast Park and other areas
Oil slicks stained the coastlines at East Coast Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Keppel Bay, the Southern Islands and Sentosa on June 15, a day after a damaged cargo tank leaked oil into the sea at Pasir Panjang Terminal.
PM Wong kick-starts series of visits to districts across S'pore
A month after being sworn in to the top post, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says he plans to visit different constituencies across the island over the coming months to meet as many Singaporeans as he can.
ANYWHERE FITNESS
Experts say daily exercise of at least 20 minutes is best for a healthier mind and body for all ages. Here’s how to get ina workout without going to a gym
MAD ABOUT INDIAN MANGOES
Taste these seven varieties here before the season is over
NTU marketing professor introduced as new face in Tampines East
A new grassroots leader for the Tampines East ward of Tampines GRC was introduced to residents by anchor minister Masagos Zulkifli on June 15.