Singapore Airlines Flight 321: Turbulence Tragedy in May 2024

On May 21, 2024, Singapore Airlines Flight 321 from London to Singapore was hit by severe turbulence while flying over Myanmar. The turbulence caused rapid altitude fluctuations and vertical accelerations, throwing passengers into the air. Tragically, one passenger died, and over 100 others were injured. The Boeing 777-300ER was diverted to Bangkok, where it made an emergency landing. This marked Singapore Airlines’ first fatal incident since 2000.

Details of the Incident

Flight SQ321 was cruising at 37,000 feet when it encountered turbulence in an area of developing storm activity. Preliminary data from the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) revealed that the aircraft’s autopilot responded to sudden changes in altitude and speed, attempting to stabilize the flight. Vertical accelerations fluctuated between +1.57G and -1.5G within seconds, sending unsecured passengers flying within the cabin. Many of these passengers and crew members sustained injuries, some serious ​(MOT Perspectives).

At the time of the incident, the seatbelt signs were turned on. However, many passengers were not securely belted, leading to the injuries. Flight attendants were also thrown around the cabin during the violent oscillations. After the turbulence subsided, the pilots assessed the situation and decided to divert to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport for medical attention ​(MOT Perspectives).

Immediate Response and Aftermath

As the aircraft approached Bangkok, the pilots requested medical assistance on arrival. The flight landed safely at 8:45 AM local time. Emergency teams were on standby to attend to the injured passengers. Despite the severity of the incident, no further turbulence was encountered during the descent​ (MOT Perspectives).

One passenger, a British national, was later confirmed to have passed away, reportedly from a heart attack triggered by the turbulence. Investigators continue to analyze the flight data to determine the exact causes of the extreme turbulence and ensure future safety protocols.

Conclusion

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety measures, such as wearing seatbelts at all times during flights. Singapore Airlines responded swiftly to the crisis and has since worked to enhance its safety protocols. Investigations by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) and international aviation bodies are ongoing, with final reports expected to provide more insights into the event ​(MOT Perspectives).

Safety remains a priority for Singapore Airlines, and the airline has expressed condolences to the victims and their families.

image source: By N509FZ – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99479743