What is clear-air turbulence and how was SQ321 affected?



Multiple analysts CNA spoke to believe Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was hit by clear-air turbulence due to the sudden nature of the incident. Here’s what we know about the phenomenon, and how it might have affected SQ321. More details: https://cna.asia/3KcR9Ya

More videos on the SQ321 incident:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbnMTcZEga8R6hc4mo63qY39DBoAqZfky

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37 thoughts on “What is clear-air turbulence and how was SQ321 affected?”

  1. as someone who had a chance to travel to Europe from PH and back for 4x, every time the plane crosses this area, I always encounter turbulence.. is this area prone to turbulence?

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  2. Yes,, looking at the graphics,, the pilots were commendable,, they were, able to manage the plane to at least make an emergency landing shortly after the horror situation,,,
    They handled the horrifying flight very professional indeed, thanks to these pilots
    Fasten your seat belts at all times during the flights.

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  3. It wasn't clear air turbulence though…. they clearly flew right through the weather if you cross reference the weather data at the same time as the turbulence location and time..

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  4. Hi Everyone @ CNAπŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ›©οΈπŸ›¬πŸ›«βœˆοΈπŸ‘πŸ‘βœˆοΈπŸ›«πŸ›¬πŸ›©οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈβ€ Thank You So Much For Sharing A Very Interesting Video and Very Clever Made And Drawn Animated Pictures On Air Turbulence πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ›©οΈπŸ›¬πŸ›«βœˆοΈπŸ‘πŸ‘βœˆοΈπŸ›«πŸ›¬πŸ›©οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈSo One Can Understand What Singapore Airlines And And The Crew and Passengers Went Through Wishing Singapore Captain Pilot Crew And Passengers A Speedy Recovery And lSend Prayers To Them And Their Families And Thank You For The Updated News And This Beautiful Made Video And Audio @ CNA πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ›©οΈπŸ›¬πŸ›«βœˆοΈπŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈβœˆοΈπŸ›«πŸ›¬πŸ›©οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈ

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  5. And Send Condolences To The Family Who Lost A Loved One On Singapore Airlines@ CNA πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ›©οΈπŸ›¬πŸ›«βœˆοΈπŸ‘πŸ‘βœˆοΈπŸ›«πŸ›¬πŸ›©οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘β€οΈβ€οΈ

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  6. Wear seatbelt at all times, except when you need to get to the washroom…. When you are sitting there, what's the incentive for not wearing it… So just strap on and save your head and beyond!!!

    Reply
  7. Monsoon seasons in Southeast Asia, particularly around regions like South Thailand, are known for their unpredictable and turbulent weather conditions. Despite advancements in weather prediction technology and in-flight turbulence detection systems, there are several reasons why pilots might still encounter severe turbulence without being able to fully anticipate or avoid it:

    ### Limitations of Weather Prediction:
    1. **Unpredictability of Turbulence**:
    – **Localized Phenomena**: Turbulence can be highly localized and transient. Even with sophisticated weather models, predicting the exact location and intensity of turbulence with precision is challenging.
    – **Rapid Changes**: Weather conditions can change rapidly, and clear air turbulence can occur without visible signs like clouds, making it harder to predict and avoid.

    2. **Weather Data Gaps**:
    – **Real-Time Updates**: While pilots receive real-time weather updates, there may still be gaps in data due to the limitations of radar coverage or satellite imaging in certain regions.
    – **Data Interpretation**: Pilots interpret a vast amount of weather data, but the dynamic nature of weather systems means they must make quick decisions with the best available information, which may not always capture sudden changes.

    ### Operational Constraints:
    1. **Air Traffic Control (ATC) Limitations**:
    – **Routing Restrictions**: Pilots must follow ATC instructions for routing and altitude changes. In congested airspace, immediate deviations to avoid turbulence might not always be feasible.
    – **Communication Delays**: Coordination between pilots and ATC takes time, and immediate course adjustments might not always be possible.

    2. **Flight Path Optimization**:
    – **Fuel Efficiency**: Airlines optimize flight paths for fuel efficiency and time. Significant deviations to avoid turbulence can increase fuel consumption and travel time.
    – **Airspace Management**: Strategic management of busy airspace sometimes limits the ability to make large-scale adjustments to flight paths.

    ### Mitigation Measures:
    Despite these challenges, there are several measures pilots and airlines take to mitigate the risks associated with flying through monsoon-affected regions:

    1. **Pre-Flight Planning**:
    – **Route Planning**: Pilots and flight planners use the latest weather forecasts to plan routes that minimize exposure to turbulent areas whenever possible.
    – **Flight Briefings**: Detailed pre-flight briefings include discussions on expected weather conditions and potential turbulence zones.

    2. **In-Flight Adjustments**:
    – **Real-Time Weather Reports**: Pilots use reports from other aircraft in the vicinity to adjust their flight paths when severe turbulence is reported.
    – **Altitude Changes**: Pilots can request altitude changes to find smoother air, though this depends on air traffic and weather conditions.

    3. **Passenger Safety Protocols**:
    – **Continuous Updates**: Pilots keep the cabin crew informed about potential turbulence, enabling them to secure the cabin and ensure passengers are seated and buckled up.
    – **Proactive Measures**: When flying through known monsoon areas, cabin crews may take extra precautions, such as suspending meal services earlier and ensuring all loose items are secured.

    In conclusion, while pilots and airlines employ a range of strategies to mitigate the risks of turbulence during monsoon seasons, the inherent unpredictability of weather systems means that encountering unexpected turbulence is sometimes unavoidable. Continuous advancements in weather prediction technology and operational procedures aim to enhance safety and reduce the impact of such events on passengers and crew.

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  8. At this time of the year the pilot should try to avoid the intertropical convergence zone itcz especially when they know a storm is already brewing ahead. No expert but just saying.

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  9. Might be the right time to install the same seatbelt warning chimes we use in cars in planes. If you don’t buckle up you will be continuously reminded (and annoyed) by the warnings. To not annoy the other passengers because of the sheer amount of seats they might use a 10-20 second delay that begins with a flashing light and then 30 seconds later starts chiming otherwise imagine the sound of multiple chimes!. Airlines constantly remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts while seated but we take non-turbulent flights for granted.

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  10. Clearly a lot of people just watched certain parts of videos, and then suddenly become air aviation expert, assuming the pilots made mistake:
    1. It was a clear day without any severe weather report – Flights are fixed on the given route and attitude, unless they are being hailed and requested to redirection due to weather. Also, weather radar on plane doesn't detect turbulence, instead, display the weather and pilots will try to navigate out of it. If it's a clear day, there's nothing on radar.
    2. The world's weather is fucked up now, just in SEA alone, we can experience severe heatwave, then out of sudden thunderstorm with high speed winds blown down trees. Watch how many trees causing death in Malaysia in just past 1 week.
    3. The video talked about how the plane being thrown to high attitude and drop within 3 second. No pilots can perform that maneuver within split 3 second, it's not a fighter jet.

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  11. but please pilot be honest with the controller, if you want direct for shortcut or true weather in front of you. the controller have no objection for you to deviate due to weather and if you want the shortcut also the controller can give, but sometime it will increase the workload of controller and can effect the safety of other aircraft so please be honest

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  12. Unfortunately, there was no CAT there at the time. There were huge thunderstorms in the area which may have not been avoided properly. Very much like the AF tragedy from Rio. They are very lucky πŸ™πŸΌ

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