US NTSB Collaborates in Investigation of Fatal Singapore Airlines Turbulence Incident

Following the tragic turbulence event that claimed the life of a passenger aboard a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is lending its expertise to assist in the investigation. This move aligns with international guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and underscores the importance of collaboration between involved parties.

The NTSB, a staunch advocate for addressing turbulence risks, is dispatching a team comprising an accredited representative and four technical advisers to support Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau in probing the events surrounding Singapore Airlines Flight 321. The aircraft involved, a 777-300ER registered as 9V-SWM, encountered what the airline described as “sudden extreme turbulence” over Myanmar while en route from London Heathrow to Singapore at an altitude of 37,000 feet.

Tragically, one passenger lost their life during the turbulence incident. Prompt action was taken as the pilots declared a medical emergency and diverted the flight to Bangkok, where they safely landed the aircraft at 14:45 local time on May 21st. Among the 211 passengers and 18 crew members onboard, 18 individuals were hospitalized, with an additional twelve receiving medical treatment at local facilities.

As investigations continue into this distressing event, the collaborative efforts between the US NTSB and Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau signify a commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the incident and implementing necessary safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flightglobal.com