SQ321 turbulence: Components of plane's weather radar system sent for tests in US
SINGAPORE: Components of the weather radar system in the Singapore Airlines (SIA) plane that was hit by severe turbulence in May 2024 have been sent to the US for examination and tests, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Tuesday (May 27).
"The component examination and test report detailing the findings is still pending," the ministry said, adding that the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB) will make public its final report upon completion of the investigation.
SIA flight SQ321 had been flying from London to Singapore on May 21, 2024, when it encountered severe turbulence over the south of Myanmar at 37,000 feet.
One passenger died on board while 79 others suffered injuries. The plane was diverted to Bangkok.
"Investigations by Singapore's TSIB are ongoing, and conducted in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) requirements," said MOT on Tuesday.
"The TSIB is assisted by investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is supported by Boeing as well as other stakeholders."
MOT said in May last year that TSIB's preliminary investigations showed that "rapid" changes in gravitational force and an altitude drop likely caused injuries to passengers and crew members who were not belted up.
British national Geoff Kitchen, 73, died in the incident. His death was likely due to a heart attack, Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn had told a press conference.
Others were slammed into the ceiling, causing head and spinal injuries.
Photographs of the interior of the plane after the incident showed gas masks and panels hanging from the ceiling and hand luggage strewn around.
In June last year, SIA apologised for the incident and said it would offer monetary compensation to the 211 passengers.
Those who sustained minor injuries from the incident were offered US$10,000 (S$12,866) in compensation.
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