CHINA – An Air China domestic flight operating between Shanghai and Beijing encountered severe clear air turbulence whilst enroute on Monday 10 July, injuring one passenger and a cabin crew member.
Departure and Unforeseen Turbulence
Air China flight CA1524, an Airbus A330-300 registered B-5916, departed from Shanghai around 3.25PM local time on a scheduled flight to Beijing. The departure was uneventful, and the flight proceeded smoothly.
However, approximately 40 minutes prior to reaching its destination, the aircraft entered a region of clear air turbulence, catching those on board by surprise.
The Intensity of the Turbulence
Flying at an altitude of around 35,000 feet, the aircraft suddenly experienced a severe jolt, causing it to drop several hundred feet.
This sudden movement led to passengers and crew members being thrown around the cabin, resulting in injuries and chaos. Startled by the turbulence, some passengers reported experiencing two sudden drops within a short span of time.
Video footage posted to social media by passengers evidenced the sudden nature of the inflight encounter. Passengers’ belongings, including pillows and reading material, were scattered across the cabin floor—a testament to the abruptness and intensity of the event.
Passengers can be seen lifted off their feet during the sudden, sharp drop in altitude.
Beijing Arrival and Passenger Injuries
The airline confirmed that one passenger and one cabin crew member sustained injuries during the incident.
Flight CA1524 subsequently landed at Beijing at 5.18PM local time, following the incident. On arrival, the injured passenger and crew member were transferred to a Beijing hospital for medical treatment.
Air China, through its spokesperson, assured the public that the crew handled the situation in accordance with established procedures to prioritize passenger safety.
The Nature of Clear Air Turbulence
Severe clear air turbulence (CAT) is a fairly rare but perilous phenomenon encountered by aircraft. Unlike turbulence caused by visible weather systems like thunderstorms, clear air turbulence is invisible and often unpredictable.
The Air China crew in this week’s incident reported that there were no visual cues, and the CAT encounter was unexpected.
In our recent analysis article, it was noted that clear air turbulence can occur at any altitude and is influenced by various factors, such as jet streams and temperature inversions.
While modern technology assists in detecting and avoiding turbulence-prone areas, unforeseen instances like this can still occur.
Similar Incidents and Their Implications
The incident on Air China flight CA1524 is not an isolated case. Recently, another notable incident involved a British Airways flight from Singapore to London.
The aircraft encountered severe turbulence over the Bay of Bengal, leading to injuries among the crew members. In response, the flight was diverted back to Singapore as a precautionary measure.
Conclusion
The occurrence of severe clear air turbulence during Air China flight CA1524 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel.
Despite advancements in aviation technology, such incidents can still pose risks to passengers and crew.
Nevertheless, it should be stressed that airlines like Air China prioritize safety and have protocols in place to handle emergencies effectively.