New Delhi. Air India flight AI-2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey. Preliminary findings indicate that the aircraft experienced a rapid change in vertical movement and descended approximately 425 feet within 30 seconds.

During the incident, the aircraft’s vertical speed reportedly reached minus 1,600 feet per minute. The sudden change in altitude and movement created a difficult situation inside the cabin, particularly for passengers who were not wearing seat belts.

Passengers without seat belts can be lifted from their seats when an aircraft experiences sudden vertical movement. Some passengers were reportedly thrown upward and hit the upper part of the cabin before falling back onto seats or into the aisle.

The incident caused temporary panic inside the aircraft, and several passengers were reportedly injured. The aircraft later continued its journey and reached Delhi safely.

 Aircraft Descended 425 Feet in 30 Seconds

One of the key findings from the preliminary assessment relates to the aircraft’s vertical speed and sudden loss of altitude.

According to the information available from the initial assessment, the aircraft’s vertical speed reached approximately minus 1,600 feet per minute for a period during the turbulence.

The aircraft subsequently lost around 425 feet of altitude over approximately 30 seconds. Such rapid vertical movement can create significant changes in the forces experienced by people inside the cabin.

Passengers who are not wearing seat belts can be particularly vulnerable during such movements. They may be lifted from their seats and collide with parts of the cabin or fall after the aircraft returns towards normal flight conditions.

 Momentary Weightless-Like Sensation

Severe turbulence can sometimes create a brief sensation similar to weightlessness for people inside an aircraft. This does not necessarily mean that the aircraft has lost control. Instead, sudden changes in vertical acceleration can temporarily reduce the normal force experienced by passengers.

If a passenger is not secured with a seat belt, they can rise from their seat during such a movement. When the aircraft’s movement changes again, the passenger can fall back down, increasing the possibility of injury.

This is why aviation safety experts consistently emphasize the importance of keeping seat belts fastened whenever passengers are seated.

 Why Turbulence Can Increase During the Monsoon

Aviation experts say that light and moderate turbulence can be relatively common during the monsoon season. Increased atmospheric moisture and significant cloud activity can contribute to unstable air conditions.

Cumulonimbus clouds, commonly known as CB clouds, can be associated with strong upward and downward air currents. These powerful air movements can produce severe turbulence and sudden changes in aircraft movement.

When aircraft operate near such weather systems, changes in wind speed and direction can affect both altitude and speed. Pilots and air traffic systems use weather information and operational procedures to manage such conditions.

 Severe Turbulence Compared With a Sudden Road Impact

Experts have compared the sensation of severe turbulence to what passengers might experience when a fast-moving vehicle suddenly encounters a deep pothole.

Aircraft are designed to withstand turbulence, but the greatest immediate risk to passengers can arise when they are not properly secured. Sudden vertical movement can cause unrestrained passengers to rise from their seats and subsequently fall.

This makes seat belts one of the most important safety measures available to passengers during a flight.

 Seat Belts Remain the Key Safety Measure

It is not always possible to predict every instance of turbulence with complete accuracy. Atmospheric conditions can change rapidly, and unexpected air movements may occur even when the flight initially appears smooth.

For passengers, keeping the seat belt fastened while seated remains one of the simplest and most effective precautions.

The seat belt helps keep the passenger secured to the seat when unexpected turbulence occurs. This can significantly reduce the risk of injuries caused by sudden aircraft movements.

 Aircraft Reached Delhi Safely

Despite the severe turbulence, the aircraft later completed its journey and arrived safely in Delhi.

The preliminary figures showing a loss of around 425 feet in altitude and vertical speed reaching minus 1,600 feet per minute are important indicators for understanding the intensity of the event.

Turbulence remains a known part of commercial aviation, and aircraft are designed and operated with such conditions in mind. However, the incident once again highlights the importance of following safety instructions and keeping seat belts fastened during flight.

---