Turbulence Terrors: Wife Recounts Fatal Flight Plunge

Linda Kitchen has recounted the terrifying experience of a Singapore Airlines flight that experienced severe turbulence, causing a drastic altitude drop. Her husband, Geoff Kitchen, aged 73, died from a suspected heart attack during the incident on flight SQ321 in May 2024. Mrs. Kitchen, aged 74, sustained spinal fractures and required intensive care.

The couple, from Thornbury near Bristol, were on their way to a six-week holiday when the Boeing 777-300ER plummeted over Myanmar. Mrs. Kitchen described the moment as feeling like the aircraft was dropping, with objects falling and passengers being thrown from their seats. Despite attempts to revive Mr. Kitchen, he did not survive.

The family has initiated legal action against Singapore Airlines for personal injury damages. They are also awaiting a coroner's inquest into Mr. Kitchen's death. Several other passengers have also launched legal proceedings against the airline following the traumatic event.

Singapore Airlines has since apologized for the experience and stated they have adopted a more cautious approach to managing in-flight turbulence. The incident resulted in an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand, with the flight carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members.