21 May 2024 , 12:14
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Shocking flight tracking data shows the moment a Singapore Airlines flight dropped 6,000ft, killing one passenger and injuring several more.
Tracking data captured by FlightRadar24 showed the Singapore Airlines flight cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,300 meters). Just after 0800 GMT, the Boeing 777 suddenly and sharply pitched down to 31,000 feet (9,400 meters) over the span of some three minutes, the data shows.
The aircraft stayed at 31,000 feet (9,400 meters) for just under 10 minutes before rapidly descending and landing in Bangkok in just under half an hour. The descent happened as the flight was over the Andaman Sea approaching Myanmar.
At least one person was killed and another 20 were injured when the flight - which was travelling from London to Singapore - was forced to make an emergency landing in Thailand's Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The Boeing 777 plane left the UK on Monday evening at 22:17 local time. However, flight SQ321 reportedly experienced severe turbulence while entering airspace in the region, which is currently experiencing extreme tropical thunderstorms.
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The plane registered 9V-SWM was diverted to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok where it made an emergency landing shortly before 4pm local time. It had been scheduled to land at the Singapore Changi Airport at 6:10 pm local time.
Ambulances were pictured on the tarmac next to the plane. Local media reported that one passenger had died and around 20 others were injured, leading to the emergency landing.
(X)A spokesperson for the airline said: "Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 21 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route. The aircraft diverted to Bangkok and landed at 1545hrs local time.
"We can confirm that there are injuries and one fatality on board the Boeing 777-300ER. There were a total of 211 passengers and 18 crew on board.
Images taken inside the cabin show in-flight meals strewn across the floor (X)"Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our priority is to provide all possible assistance to all passengers and crew on board the aircraft.
"We are working with the local authorities in Thailand to provide the necessary medical assistance, and sending a team to Bangkok to provide any additional assistance needed. We will provide regular updates on our Facebook and X accounts."