A recent Singapore Airlines flight in the Indian Ocean experienced severe turbulence, leading to a fatal accident. This tragic event has brought renewed attention to the phenomenon of in-flight turbulence, its causes, prevalence, and potential consequences. In this article, we delve deeper into the nature of turbulence, its different types, and the risks it poses to air travelers.
In-flight turbulence arises from unstable air movements, which can manifest in various forms. The most prevalent type is clear-air turbulence, which, as the name suggests, occurs without any visible warning and is particularly dangerous due to its unpredictability. These turbulent patterns result from wind shear, where two large air masses move at significantly different speeds, often near high-altitude jet streams.
While turbulence is a common occurrence in air travel, its severity can vary greatly. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over a third of airline incidents in the United States from 2009 to 2018 were attributed to turbulence. Though severe turbulence incidents are relatively uncommon, they can result in serious injuries, primarily among flight attendants who are more vulnerable due to their frequent movement during flights.
Fatalities due to turbulence are extremely rare, especially in large transport aircraft. However, the recent Singapore Airlines tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the potential risks associated with severe turbulence and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during flights. To enhance awareness and provide guidance to travelers, the Turbli website has analyzed 1,50,000 routes using data from UK and US government meteorological agencies to identify the top ten routes with the highest average turbulence.