What Happened to Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321?

Last week, a Singapore Airlines flight traveling from London to Singapore tragically resulted in one fatality and dozens of injuries after encountering severe turbulence over Myanmar. Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, a Boeing 777-300ER, was roughly halfway through its journey when the incident occurred.

Turbulence Strikes Mid-Flight

The incident unfolded around 2:19 pm local time on May 21st (07:49 UTC). According to data retrieved from the aircraft’s flight recorders, the plane experienced a rapid change in altitude, a telltale sign of sudden turbulence. Weather reports indicate thunderstorms, some severe, were present in the area at the time.

The sudden jolt caused the aircraft’s vertical acceleration to fluctuate dramatically within a short timeframe. Investigators from Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) believe this rapid shift likely caused unbelted passengers and objects to be thrown around the cabin.

Emergency Diversion and Medical Response

Following the turbulence event, the pilots were able to regain control of the aircraft and made the decision to divert to Bangkok. Flight SQ321 landed safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 3:15 pm local time (08:45 UTC) where emergency medical personnel were waiting.

One Dead, Dozens Injured

Sadly, one passenger did not survive the turbulence. Dozens more were injured, with some reported to be in critical condition. Singapore Airlines has not yet released the identity of the deceased passenger.

Investigation Underway

Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau TSIB is currently conducting a full investigation into the incident. The agency has already completed its analysis of the flight data recorder, revealing the dramatic changes in altitude and airspeed experienced by the aircraft.

Investigators found that the aircraft experienced an uncommanded increase in altitude and “an uncommanded increase in airspeed which [the pilots] arrested by extending the speed brakes.” 

Further, “At 07:49:40 hr, the aircraft experienced a rapid change in G as recorded vertical acceleration decreased from +ve 1.35G to negative (-ve) 1.5G, within 0.6 sec. This likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne.”

One second later, “the vertical acceleration changed from -ve 1.5G to +ve 1.5G within 4 sec. This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down.” 

The aircraft’s altitude was restabilized at 37,000 ft at 07:50:23.

The investigation will focus on determining the cause of the turbulence and evaluating the crew’s response to the situation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of inflight turbulence. While rare, severe turbulence can have devastating consequences. Passengers are always advised to adhere to crew instructions and remain securely fastened in their seats whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated.

Keep an eye on our social media as this story develops, for further updates.

Sources:

• flightradar24
• Featured image by HuyNguyenSG | iStock

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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