(RepublicanReport.org) – Boeing has been all over the news lately and not for good reasons. In January, a door plug flew off a Boeing 737 Max 9 in mid-air on one flight, flames were shooting out of another, and a third Boeing plane’s nose wheel popped off on the runway. Incidents like that continued into February and March. In May, another Boeing incident turned deadly.
On May 21, a Boeing 777-300ER plane with Singapore Airlines (SIA) experienced such severe turbulence that one person — a 73-year-old British man — died and about 70 others were injured. The flight carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members was flying 37,000 feet in the air when it suddenly plummeted 6,000 feet over a three-minute period.
After staying at that altitude for a short period, the pilot swiftly landed in Bangkok, where emergency crews were waiting. The plane was originally flying from London to Singapore. They were about 10 hours into the flight when the incident occurred.
While the cause of the severe turbulence is unknown, there were storms in the area along the coast of Myanmar. Satellite data showed severe storms brewing above the plane, indicating instability in the air. That type of weather is reportedly common this time of year in that area of the world.
Deaths from turbulence are extremely rare, but research reportedly shows the incidents of hitting the rough air are rising, citing climate change as the reason. Apparently, elevated carbon dioxide emissions affect currents in the air.
The airline released a statement after the harrowing ordeal, explaining what happened and confirming the unfortunate injuries and death on the flight. SIA relayed its “deepest condolences” to the deceased man’s family and apologized to the other passengers and crew for the frightening experience. The airline also said it had a team traveling to Bangkok to assist and confirmed it was working with authorities who were investigating the incident.
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