Passenger died and 28 are being treated in Thai hospitals following incident on London to Singapore flight on May 21st

Preliminary findings released on Wednesday of an investigation into a Singapore Airlines flight hit by severe turbulence last week showed a rapid change in gravitational force and a 54-metre (177ft) altitude drop caused injuries.

A 73-year-old passenger died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were injured after flight SQ321, flying from London to Singapore, encountered what the airline described as sudden, extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmar.

The May 21st flight on a Boeing 777-300ER plane carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing after the plane was buffeted by turbulence that flung passengers and crew around the cabin, slamming some into the ceiling. Four Irish citizens were on board the flight.

"The aircraft experienced a rapid change in G (gravitational force) ... This likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne," Singapore's transport ministry said in a statement on the report by the country's Transport Safety Investigation Bureau.

"The vertical acceleration changed from negative 1.5G to positive 1.5G within 4 seconds. This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down," it said, citing information extracted from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

"The rapid changes in G over the 4.6 seconds duration resulted in an altitude drop of 178ft (54m), from 37,362ft to 37,184ft. This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers," it added.

Shaken passengers described scenes of chaos in the minutes after the incident, with the turbulence throwing people upwards then into the aisle, many left with bleeding and head wounds. Photographs of the cabin showed gashes in the overhead cabin panels, oxygen masks and panels hanging from the ceiling and luggage strewn around. A passenger said some people's heads had slammed into lights above the seats and broken the panels.

Singapore Airlines said it acknowledged the report and was co-operating fully with the investigation.

"We are committed to supporting our passengers and crew members who were on board SQ321 on that day, as well as their families and loved ones," it said in a statement on Wednesday.

The investigation team comprised Singaporean investigators, representatives from Boeing and United States officials from the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. The Singapore transport ministry said the investigation was ongoing.

Last Sunday, six passengers and six crew members were injured following turbulence on a flight from Doha, Qatar, to Ireland.

It is understood the turbulence occurred about two hours into the seven-hour flight, when the aircraft was travelling over Turkey. The Qatar Airways flight landed safely as scheduled in Dublin shortly before 1pm on Sunday. - Reuters

The tragic incident involving Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 on May 21 has highlighted the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of safety procedures such as wearing seatbelts at all times when seated. The plane, a Boeing 777-300ER, was en route from London Heathrow to Singapore Changi Airport when it encountered extreme turbulence, causing severe chaos and resulting in numerous injuries and one fatality.

The deceased passenger was a 73-year-old whose passing from a suspected heart attack amidst the pandemonium underscored the traumatic experience endured by those on board. The affected, including 28 people who are now receiving medical attention at Thai hospitals, suffered a range of injuries from the violent episode that saw individuals propelled out of their seats.

According to the cabin crew's accounts, the incident unfolded rapidly, giving passengers and crew little time to react. The sudden altitude drop paired with the dramatic fluctuations in gravitational forces created an environment of danger and fear, leading to a scenario where individuals literally flew out of their seats, with some experiencing collisions with parts of the aircraft interior.

In the wake of this incident, aviation safety experts have begun to call for more rigorous adherence to safety guidelines, particularly the fastening of seatbelts whenever passengers are seated. The potential for such unexpected events illustrates the vital role that such precautions play in mitigating harm when flights encounter turbulence.

Singapore Airlines has stated its dedication to the well-being of all affected by the turbulence incident, extending support to the injured and their families. The airline's comprehensive response includes assisting with medical care as well as providing emotional and logistical support during this trying time.

While the aftermath of the incident has been distressing for many, the aviation industry is placing a keen focus on understanding the dynamics of what occurred in order to prevent future similar events. Investigations by the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau are meticulous, with input from aviation experts, aircraft manufacturers, and international aviation authorities, to uncover the exact nature of the turbulence and to formulate recommendations to enhance flight safety.

The occurrence has also raised questions about the potential for advanced technology to predict or mitigate the impacts of sudden turbulence. Research is ongoing into methods for improving detection and response to such unpredictable events, aiming to augment the safety measures currently in place in the aviation sector.:: Testimonials from passengers who weathered the ordeal have been harrowing, with many recounting moments of terror as they were thrust against the aircraft's structures. These personal stories have underscored the traumatic psychological impact such events can have, even beyond the physical injuries sustained.

Safety briefings often remind passengers of the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened even when the sign is off, as a precaution against such sudden turbulence. The Singapore Airlines incident serves as a stark reminder of why these safety protocols must be strictly adhered to at all times.

As the Singaporean authorities and the international aviation community continue their investigation, the focus remains on preventing a recurrence, ensuring that the skies remain safe for all air travelers. The cooperative international effort involving the expertise from various entities reflects the global commitment to safety in the skies.

The aviation community at large extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased passenger and stands in solidarity with the injured. This event has been a sobering reminder of the relentless pursuit of safety in aviation that must always be at the forefront of all operations and procedures.