Singapore flight plunged 178ft in 5 seconds due to ‘rapid change in gravitational force’
A Singapore Airlines flight that was hit by severe turbulence last week dropped nearly 200 feet in four seconds when it experienced a rapid change in gravitational force, a preliminary investigation has found.
Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was forced to make an emergency landing last Tuesday after the plane encountered what the airline described as sudden, extreme turbulence while flying over Myanmarâs Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000ft about 10 hours after departure.
The pilot declared a medical emergency and landed the plane, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, at Bangkokâs Suvarnabhumi airport.
A 73-year-old British man, Geoffrey Kitchen, died of a suspected heart attack and dozens were injured when they were slammed into the ceiling of the plane, during what the findings suggest was a plunge of 178ft in only four seconds.
Singaporeâs Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, part of the countryâs transport ministry, said in a statement: âThe aircraft experienced a rapid change in G [gravitational force] ⌠This likely resulted in the occupants who were not belted up to become airborne.â
âThe vertical acceleration changed from negative 1.5G to positive 1.5G within four seconds. This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down,â it said, citing information from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders.

âThe rapid changes in G over the 4.6 seconds duration resulted in an altitude drop of 178 ft (54 m), from 37,362 ft to 37,184 ft. This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers.â
The preliminary report said that when the flight encountered slight vibrations, there was an uncommanded increase in altitude, causing the autopilot to pitch the aircraft downwards. The pilots experienced an increase in airspeed and responded by applying brakes.
âWhile managing the airspeed ⌠it was heard that a pilot called out that the fasten seat belt sign had been switched on,â the report said.
Singapore Airlines said on Wednesday that it was âfully co-operating with the relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations into this incident. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and staff are our top prioritiesâ.
It reiterated that it would cover the medical and hospital expenses of passengers and crew members on board the flight, as well âas any additional assistance they may needâ.
According to the airline, 28 passengers are still in hospitals in Thailand, some with brain, skull and spinal cord injuries.
It also announced that it would change its rules around seatbelts and onboard meals as a result of the incident.
âIn addition to the suspension of hot beverage service when the seat belt sign is on, the meal service will also be suspended. Crew members will also return to their seats and secure their seat belts when the seat belt sign is on,â Singapore Airlines said.