What happened
On May 1, 2022, a SpiceJet Boeing 737-800, registration VT-SLH, was operating a scheduled flight from Mumbai to Durgapur. During the descent phase of the flight, while passing through flight level 150, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence.
Prior to the encounter, the pilot in command had notified the cabin crew and passengers of expected rough weather, advising them to remain seated. The seatbelt sign was illuminated. However, the intensity of the turbulence was such that many passengers who were not wearing seatbelts were thrown from their seats. The aircraft subsequently landed at Durg and requested medical assistance upon arrival. Tragically, one passenger passed away while receiving treatment for their injuries.
The investigation
The investigation by AAIB India examined the flight's descent profile, the meteorological conditions, and the crew's actions. Investigators reviewed cockpit voice and flight data recordings, as well as communications between the flight crew and Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Kolkata and Durgapur.
The inquiry also looked into the serviceability of the aircraft's weather radar system and the effectiveness of the crew's cabin safety procedures. The investigation noted that while the pilot had briefed the cabin crew regarding the descent and expected weather, the cabin crew reported they had not received a specific weather briefing at the start of the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injuries was the encounter with severe turbulence.
- Several passengers sustained injuries because they were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the impact.
- There was a discrepancy in weather briefing, as the cabin crew stated they were not briefed on the weather patch between Durgapur and Kolkata during the initial flight briefing.
- The aircraft's weather radar system was evaluated, noting its capability for turbulence detection via Doppler circuits.