Singapore Airlines jet fell 178ft in 5 seconds

The initial inquiries into the intense turbulence experienced by a Singapore Airlines flight last Tuesday indicate that it descended approximately 178 feet (54 meters) in 4.6 seconds.

A British passenger lost his life, and many others were injured when the flight from London to Singapore encountered turbulence over Myanmar and had to be redirected to Thailand.

Investigators in Singapore have successfully retrieved data from the aircraft's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.

Singapore Airlines has stated that it fully cooperates with investigators and supports the passengers and crew members affected by the incident. The support includes covering medical and hospital expenses.

According to the preliminary findings of the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), there were significant fluctuations in gravitational force (G) and a substantial drop in altitude, comparable to the height of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is believed that individuals who were not wearing seatbelts may have sustained injuries as a result.

According to reports, the flight proceeded without issues until it encountered a "developing convective activity" region while flying over southern Myanmar at 37,000ft (11,300m).

According to the TSIB report, there was a significant drop in altitude of 178ft (54m) over 4.6 seconds, from 37,362ft to 37,184ft, stated the report.

"This sequence of events most likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers. "The cabin crew alerted the pilots about injured passengers on board, prompting them to decide to divert to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to the report, about 17 minutes after the turbulence incident, the pilots successfully executed a controlled descent from 37,000ft. The aircraft did not encounter any further instances of severe turbulence during its diversion to Bangkok.

The pilots also requested medical services to be available upon the aircraft's arrival.

The investigations conducted by TSIB, which operates under Singapore's transport ministry, are ongoing.

According to Singapore Airlines, the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft carried 211 passengers and 18 crew members.

A tragic incident occurred onboard a vessel, resulting in the unfortunate death of Geoff Kitchen, aged 73, due to a suspected heart attack. One hundred four other passengers were also transported to Bangkok's Samitivej Hospital for necessary medical attention.

During an interview, Ali Bukhari, 27, recounted the terrifying experience he and his wife Ramiza had when the aircraft suddenly entered a state of "straight freefall."

"The experience was filled with fear and terror." He described the experience as similar to riding a vertical roller coaster.

"The oxygen masks were deployed, and significant damage was sustained to the plane's interior... It appeared that the force of the turbulence was responsible for the commotion.

However, upon closer observation, it became evident that many individuals who neglected to fasten their seatbelts were propelled into the air, colliding with the ceiling.

There was blood splattered across the ceiling. The scene was utter chaos. A significant number of individuals were present on the floor.

Singapore Airlines has committed to supporting crew members and passengers on Tuesday's flight.

The airline stated on social media that it would cover the passengers' medical and hospital expenses and any other assistance they may require.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our passengers and staff is paramount to us. The assistance provided by the governments of Singapore and Thailand, along with our partners and medical teams worldwide, has been invaluable.

According to Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital's director, 41 individuals were treated for various injuries last Thursday. Among them, six were treated for skull and brain injuries, 22 for spinal injuries, and 13 for bone, muscle, and other injuries.

"This is the first time we have encountered injuries resulting from turbulence," stated Adinun Kittiratanapaibool during a press briefing.

According to Singapore Airlines, 42 passengers from the flight were still in Bangkok as of Wednesday, and 26 were currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals.