Understanding Air Turbulence: Types and Safety Measures
Air turbulence can be an uncomfortable experience for passengers, but it is important to remember that most of the time, it is harmless.
Types of Turbulence
There are three main types of turbulence. Light turbulence is the most common and least severe, feeling like a gentle bump or shake of the aircraft and not a cause for concern. Moderate turbulence is more pronounced than light turbulence, potentially causing stronger shaking of the plane and sudden sensations of rising or falling. Although unpleasant, these do not jeopardize flight safety. Severe turbulence is the rarest but most intense, leading to violent shaking of the aircraft, abrupt upward and downward movements, and even temporary loss of altitude control. While this can be frightening, pilots are trained to manage it and maintain control of the aircraft.
Specific types of turbulence also exist. Thermal turbulence is caused by temperature differences in the air and frequently occurs near mountains, storms, and weather fronts. Orographic turbulence is created by the updrafts and downdrafts generated by mountainous terrain. Convective turbulence occurs within cumulonimbus clouds, where strong updrafts form. Wake turbulence is caused by the wake of other aircraft. It is important to note that pilots are informed in advance about potential turbulence areas and can take measures to avoid or lessen their impact. Turbulence does not affect the structural integrity of the aircraft, and the airplane is the safest place during turbulence. Seat belts should always be fastened.
How Dangerous Can Turbulence Be?
Although turbulence can be unpleasant and frightening for passengers, it is generally harmless. Aircraft are designed to withstand significant turbulence, and pilots are well-trained to handle it. Severe turbulence is extremely rare, occurring only once every 10,000 flight hours. While turbulence can cause injuries, they are usually minor, and fatalities due to turbulence are extremely rare. A 2022 study estimated a rise in significant turbulence by 2080, but the risk of accidents remains very low.
Recent Turbulence Incident on Singapore Airlines
Passengers on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 on May 21, 2024, experienced severe turbulence approximately 10 hours after takeoff over Myanmar. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER, had to divert to Bangkok due to sudden turbulence, which caused violent shaking of the plane and threw passengers and crew around the cabin. Following this turbulence, one passenger died, and over 70 were injured, six of whom sustained serious injuries. The cabin suffered significant damage, with overhead panels torn down, oxygen masks deployed, and other panels hanging from the ceiling, along with luggage scattered throughout the cabin. The flight was diverted to Bangkok, where injured passengers received medical attention. Singapore Airlines provided compensation to the injured passengers and refunded the tickets of everyone on board. The probable cause of the turbulence was a rapid change in gravitational force.
Severe Turbulence Incident Involving Singapore Airlines
A recent incident involving a Singapore Airlines flight has been described as one of the most serious turbulence episodes in the airline’s history. Preliminary reports from the Singapore Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are still being finalized. The turbulence was attributed to a “strong upward current,” which posed significant challenges during the flight.
In response to this incident, Singapore Airlines is taking proactive measures to enhance its safety protocols. The airline is also committed to providing additional support for passengers who experience turbulence during their flights, ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience.
