Singapore Airlines Flight 321
Summary
On 21 May 2024, SQ 321 had been traveling from London to Singapore on Tuesday when the Boeing 777-300ER, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members, encountered extreme turbulence. One passenger died and left dozens injured, resulting in an emergency diversion of the plane to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport at 3.45pm local time (4.45pm Singapore time).
Passengers described a sudden drop during the journey, with flight tracking data showing that SQ 321 experienced a 6,000-foot (1.8km) drop within four minutes.
Many passengers who were not wearing seat belts were flung to the ceiling, hitting the over head compartments resulting in head and spinal injuries.
Oxygen masks and food were also found strewn on the floor.
The sole fatality was a 73 Year-Old British man who died from a suspected heart attack.[1]
Investigation
Investigations revealed that a type of turbulence known as Clear-Air Turbulence had hit the aircraft causing rapid G-Force changes.[2]
Aftermath
Those affected were compensated. The CEO of Singapore Airlines, Goh Choon Phong, also expressed his condolences.[3]
Rules
Singapore Airlines mentions that there will be no in-flight meal services when the seat belt sign is on after the SQ321 incident.[4]