Why aircraft survive turbulence but passengers sometimes don't
Aircraft withstand turbulence well, but passengers face serious injury risk; wind shear has caused fatal aviation crashes.
Aircraft are built to withstand turbulence, but the real danger is to people inside. When turbulence hits, passengers not wearing seatbelts are thrown from seats.
Cabin crew are especially at risk when moving around. Turbulence has three sources.
Clear-air turbulence occurs around jet streams with changing winds. Thunderstorms create strong rising and falling air.
Mountains and obstacles cause mechanical turbulence. Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority identifies it as the leading cause of in-flight injuries.
Wind shear is more dangerous. It happens when wind suddenly changes speed or direction.
It can cause an aircraft to lose airspeed rapidly. Delta Air Lines Flight 191 crashed in 1985 after wind shear, killing 137 people.
Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321 hit severe turbulence in May 2024, killing one passenger and injuring dozens.
- 30,000 to 35,000 feet
- Jet stream altitude
- 137 people
- Delta 191 fatalities
- 1985
- Crash year
- May 2024
- SQ321 incident date
Why it mattersKnowing turbulence dangers helps travellers understand when to stay belted; serious injuries and crashes are preventable.
AustraliaAustralians flying through turbulent routes should stay belted; turbulence causes the most in-flight injuries across Australian aviation.
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