Airlines have long recommended that you keep your seat belt fastened “even when the seatbelt light has been turned off.” As a frequent flier, I still hear the sighs and clicks of unbuckling when this happens. Naturally, if nature is calling you, this is a must, but many unbuckle simply because they can.
With the tragic death of a 73-year-old British passenger, plus 30 more injured on a Singapore Airlines flight, largely determined to be the result of turbulence, there is a new focus on staying in your seat and staying buckled.
According to a 2021 study by the National Transportation Safety Board, turbulence is the most common cause of airline accidents involving injuries, CBC News reports.
We are all used to the slight bumps an airplane experiences when going through clouds (usually on ascent or descent) but the type of severe turbulence which caused this death and injuries is usually the result of “clear air” turbulence which is more dangerous as it can’t be seen or easily predicted.
“This type of turbulence happens around the jet stream, a fast flowing "river" of air that's typically found at 40,000-60,000ft”, aviation academic and commercial pilot Guy Gratton said to the BBC.
“You can easily have 100mph speed difference between the air in the jet stream and the surrounding air, he says. The friction around the jet stream between the slower and faster air causes turbulence. This is always there and it moves, making it difficult to avoid.”
Research is starting to show that the incidence of these “clear air” winds are increasing, and there is some evidence to suggest that climate change is playing a role in distorting the wind streams, making them even faster in higher atmospheres.
Other sources are suggesting that the pilot ordered the drop in altitude, and there were severe thunderstorms reported in the area. More information is expected in the following weeks, but it can take some time to investigate the cause of incidents like this.
On 22MAY, Singapore Airlines’ chief executive, Goh Choon Phong, issued an apology to pax on board. "We are very sorry for the traumatic experience that everyone on board SQ321 went through," he expressed in a video posted on social media by the airline.
While aircraft are built to sustain a certain amount of turbulence, pax and other items unsecured in the aircraft are not as stable.
To help avoid the chaos and injuries which were sustained on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, pax should:
- Remain buckled for the entire flight, except when necessary to leave seat.
- Refrain from walking up and down the aisles unless you are on your way to the lavatory or need to speak to airline personnel.
- Ensure kids and those unable to manage their own seat belts are also buckled in.
- Make sure items are securely stowed under the seat in front of you.
- If you are in a bulkhead seat with no access to under-seat stowage, take only required items out of the overhead bin (once in the air).
- Make sure overhead bins are closed securely.
- If turbulence is expected, put away the laptop and other items you might have on your tray, and put the tray table up.
