In an effort to understand how a routine flight from London to Singapore could result in the death of one man and the injury of dozens of passengers, a new “thunderstorm” theory has emerged.
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was forced to make an emergency landing in Bangkok on May 20 after experiencing an “altitude loss” that threw dozens of passengers across the cabin.
Singapore Airlines has since attributed the incident to “extreme turbulence.” However, a team of experts representing dozens of passengers in a class action lawsuit seeking compensation believes the plane flew through the crest of a thunderstorm.
The team found that the flight was in “close proximity” to a thunderstorm as it flew over an area in the Intertropical Convergence Zone known for its thunderstorm activity.
Peter Carter, principal of Carter Capner, which filed the class action lawsuit, said the theory would dispel the notion that the incident was a “freak accident.”
“It was avoidable,” he told news.com.au.
“That’s the wrong conclusion, and one that can only be drawn provisionally. The working theory should really be that it was a storm, unless proven otherwise, and that it caused an increased fear of flying that is misplaced.”
Ron Bartsch, former head of security at Qantas and chairman of the aviation consultancy Avlaw, also believes that the assumption that the incident was a “freak accident” is misplaced.
Mr Bartsch told news.com.au that the fact that the pilot in command had turned on the seatbelt sign before the incident suggested there must have been something on the radar.
“To me, that strongly suggests it was something that was visible on radar. There must have been signs that something was happening,” he said.
He said under normal circumstances, experienced pilots would either avoid the area altogether or reduce the speed of the aircraft to avoid injuries in the cabin.
In a statement to news.com.au, Singapore Airlines said it was “unable” to comment on the views of “other lawyers”.
“Singapore Airlines is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities in their investigation of this incident,” the statement said.
Compensation for passengers
There were nearly 60 Australians on board the Boeing 777-300ER when the incident occurred. The flight’s 211 passengers were offered several thousand dollars in compensation this week.
The airline said it had offered $10,000 ($15,130 Australian dollars) compensation to those who suffered minor injuries in the “traumatic” event.
People with serious injuries will receive $20,000.
“Singapore Airlines (SIA) deeply apologizes to all passengers for the traumatic experience on board flight SQ321 on May 20, 2024. We are committed to providing our full support and assistance during this time,” the airline said in a statement.
“For those who have suffered more serious injuries, we have invited them to discuss a compensation offer that suits their individual situation if they feel comfortable and ready to do so,” the statement continued.
The airline said it would provide full reimbursement to all passengers on the flight, including those who were not injured.
“All passengers will also receive delay compensation in accordance with the relevant European Union or United Kingdom regulations,” it said.
“We have provided each passenger with S$1,000 to cover their immediate expenses after departure from Bangkok.”
The airline said it would cover the medical costs of the injured passengers and had arranged flights to Bangkok for their families upon request.
“SIA remains committed to assisting the affected passengers on board SQ321,” the airline said.