During the flight, the plane descended rapidly by about 1,800 meters before making an emergency landing in Bangkok. This severe turbulence resulted in one fatality and injured dozens of passengers.
While Singapore Airlines did not specify the type of turbulence encountered, aviation experts believe it was clear-air turbulence (CAT). This type of turbulence occurs in clear or cloudy conditions and is typically found between air masses moving at different speeds. CAT is considered the most dangerous form of turbulence because it is virtually undetectable by current technology, providing no warning to the flight crew.
Aviation safety experts stress the importance of wearing seat belts throughout the flight due to the unpredictable nature of clear-air turbulence. John Strickland, a UK aviation expert, recommends that passengers keep their seat belts fastened at all times, except when moving around the cabin for essential reasons, regardless of the seat belt sign status.
A study by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 2021 revealed that turbulence is the most common cause of in-flight accidents. From 2009 to 2018, turbulence accounted for over a third of reported airline accidents, with many resulting in multiple injuries.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasizes that seat belts are crucial for passenger safety during key flight stages, such as takeoff and landing, and when encountering turbulence.
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Source: Vietnam Insider