Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 Plunges 178 Feet Due to G-Force Fluctuations
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 made headlines on May 21 when it experienced a rapid drop of 178 feet in just 4.6 seconds, causing chaos and injuries on board. The incident was attributed to sudden changes in gravitational forces (G-forces) that left passengers and crew reeling.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), the aircraft encountered severe turbulence after flying over an area of developing convective activity south of Myanmar. This led to fluctuations in G-forces between plus 0.44G and plus 1.57G, causing the plane to climb and subsequently drop rapidly.
Passengers had only eight seconds to react after the seat belt sign was turned on before the aircraft was hit by turbulence, resulting in injuries to dozens of individuals and the tragic death of a British man. The sudden transition from positive to negative G-forces flung unsecured passengers against the cabin ceiling, causing head and spinal injuries.
In response to the incident, Singapore Airlines expressed its full cooperation with the investigation and commitment to supporting the affected passengers and crew members. As of May 29, 26 passengers from SQ321 remained hospitalized in Bangkok, with the airline covering their medical expenses and providing necessary assistance.
Aviation experts, such as Mr. Michael Daniel, highlighted the importance of the TSIB’s findings in understanding the probable cause of the incident. The report shed light on the challenges faced by the pilots in stabilizing the aircraft during the turbulent episode.
As investigations continue into the SQ321 incident, the aviation industry remains vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members aboard flights worldwide.