On December 18, 2022, Hawaiian Airlines Flight 35 from Phoenix to Honolulu became a shocking reminder of how turbulent the skies can be. Just 40 minutes before landing, the Airbus A330-200 hit severe turbulence, injuring 25 passengers and crew members, six of them seriously. Ceiling panels were ripped out, passengers were thrown from their seats, and chaos filled the cabin. But what caused this terrifying event, and how can future incidents like this be avoided? Let’s dive in.
What Happened Aboard Hawaiian Airlines Flight 35?
The flight was cruising at 40,000 feet, just 65 miles northeast of Maui, when it encountered convectively induced turbulence—caused by powerful storm cells in the area. While the crew had received weather forecasts warning of unstable atmospheric conditions, they opted to fly over the storm rather than deviating around it.
The turbulence was so violent that passengers described it as feeling like a “volcanic eruption” in the cabin. Ceiling panels were dislodged, a flight attendant’s handset was broken, and some passengers, unbuckled at the time, were thrown into the air. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later concluded that the decision to fly over the storm was the main cause of the incident.
Inside the NTSB Investigation
After a detailed investigation, the NTSB found that the crew misjudged the severity of the storm cell, despite having access to weather information. The airline conducted its own internal review following the event, vowing to improve weather avoidance training for its crews to prevent similar missteps in the future.
This incident highlights the importance of proper judgment in weather-related decision-making and the risks of flying through unstable atmospheric conditions.
What is Turbulence?
Turbulence is a common occurrence in aviation, caused by chaotic air movements that result from various atmospheric factors. It’s typically categorized by its source:
- Convection: Linked to thunderstorms and unstable air masses.
- Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): Caused by wind shear, often near jet streams.
- Mountain Waves: Air disturbances created by mountain ranges.
- Surface Turbulence: Resulting from ground features like buildings or trees.
- Wake Vortices: Created by other aircraft.
Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries, particularly to passengers and crew not wearing seat belts. Between 2009 and 2018, turbulence-related accidents made up more than a third of all U.S. airline incidents.
How Airlines and Passengers Can Stay Safe
To reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries, both the aviation industry and passengers have critical roles to play.
For Airlines and Crews:
- Improved Weather Forecasting: Airlines are leveraging advanced radar and forecasting tools to better predict turbulence in real-time.
- Enhanced Pilot Training: Ensuring pilots are trained to assess and avoid potential storm cells effectively.
- Standardized Communication: Sharing turbulence reports (PIREPs) across the air traffic control system helps all pilots in the region navigate safer routes.
For Passengers:
- Buckle Up: Always keep your seat belt fastened when seated, even if the seatbelt sign is off.
- Follow Crew Instructions: Pay attention to announcements and safety demonstrations.
- Secure Loose Items: Keep items stowed during the flight to prevent them from becoming projectiles during sudden turbulence.
Is Turbulence Becoming More Common?
Some studies suggest that turbulence may be on the rise due to climate change. Warmer global temperatures are altering atmospheric conditions, potentially increasing the intensity and frequency of clear air turbulence, which is harder to predict.
Answering Your Most Asked Questions
1. What causes turbulence?
Turbulence can result from thunderstorms, jet streams, mountain ranges, or even other aircraft. Clear air turbulence is particularly dangerous because it cannot be seen or detected on radar.
2. How dangerous is turbulence?
For modern aircraft, turbulence rarely causes structural damage. However, it’s a leading cause of injuries to passengers and crew.
3. Can pilots avoid turbulence?
Pilots use weather radar, forecasts, and reports from other flights to avoid turbulence. But some types, like clear air turbulence, can be unpredictable.
4. How can I protect myself?
Always wear your seat belt when seated, follow crew instructions, and secure loose items.
5. What’s being done to reduce turbulence risks?
Airlines are investing in better forecasting technology, refining pilot training, and improving communication about turbulence across the aviation industry.
Final Thoughts
While turbulence can’t always be avoided, incidents like the Hawaiian Airlines flight show the importance of preparation, awareness, and precaution. Whether you’re a pilot, crew member, or passenger, understanding turbulence and following safety protocols can make all the difference.
Next time you fly, buckle up, enjoy the journey, and trust that the skies, though occasionally bumpy, are safer than ever.
What’s the most intense turbulence you’ve ever experienced? Share your story below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Sources CNN
