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The rapid and extreme changes in gravitational force were strong enough to lift passengers off their seats before they fell back down. The incident also occurred during meal service, when more people were likely moving around the cabin.<\/span><\/p>\n The digital flight data recorder showed vertical acceleration dropped from +1.35G to -1.5G in 0.6 seconds. Within the next four seconds, it swung back to +1.5G. Put together, these changes were enough to send an unbelted person airborne and then slam them down.<\/span><\/p>\n The pilot activated the seatbelt sign after the onset of turbulence at 7:49:23am UTC, but severe turbulence struck 17 seconds later \u2013 leaving little time for passengers to react. Flight crew had no time to make a cabin announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n Most injuries were to the head, neck and spine, including fractures, compressions, lacerations and dislocations. The passenger who died suffered heart failure and lung edema \u2013 a condition where there is too much fluid in the lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n Of the 229 people on board, 56 sustained serious injuries, 23 minor injuries and 149 were uninjured. Cabin damage included broken ceiling panels and punctured overhead bins.<\/span><\/p>\n TSIB said it cannot be over-emphasised that fastening seatbelts is the most effective way to prevent turbulence injuries. An airborne passenger who falls back down can also injure those around them.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis occurrence serves as a reminder for all passengers, that turbulence may hit suddenly without warning, to always fasten their seat belts while seated and to refrain from moving about in the cabin unnecessarily, even when the fasten-seat-belt sign is off,\u201d said investigators.<\/span><\/p>\n TSIB has recommended that Boeing develop guidance for flight crews and maintenance personnel to identify and respond to radar under-detection or non-detection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The radar manufacturer was recommended to develop a means of recording weather display images to help diagnose faults.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A further recommendation to the International Civil Aviation Organization calls for larger aircraft built before 2023 to be retrofitted with systems that more reliably capture the data shown to pilots on their displays.<\/span><\/p>\n Recipients have 90 days to respond, stating whether they accept each recommendation and when they plan to implement it. Those that decline must explain why.<\/span><\/p>\n SIA has already taken several safety measures, including enhanced turbulence monitoring tools on crew tablets, updated guidance to flight crews on radar under-detection, and reporting protocols for such issues on its Boeing 777 fleet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat happens next?<\/h2>\n