Flight History
On 18 January 2019, a Boeing 777-200 aircraft, registration 9V-SQL, operated by Singapore Airlines, departed Melbourne Airport, Australia, at about 2143 UTC for Wellington Airport, New Zealand. The flight crew consisted of a Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and a First Officer (FO), with the PIC serving as Pilot Flying and the FO as Pilot Monitoring. During pre-flight preparation, the PIC noted from the Operational Flight Plan that there was possible turbulence en route and briefed the cabin crew accordingly, reminding them to take precautionary actions.
At approximately 2300 UTC, while cruising at Flight Level 410, the aircraft encountered mild clear air turbulence, prompting the flight crew to turn on the fasten seatbelt signs. Meals were being served at that time; cabin crew conducted safety checks to ensure passengers were seated with seatbelts fastened before resuming service.
About 19 minutes later, at 2319 UTC, the aircraft experienced stronger turbulence, during which it lost height momentarily. A female passenger in the economy cabin, who had left her seat to visit her daughter a few rows away, was lifted into the air and, upon contacting the floor, felt intense pain in her right leg. She could only alleviate the pain by lying face-down.
Injuries and Response
The passenger sustained a fractured right femur (thighbone). Cabin crew were informed of the injury at about 2325 UTC and the Chief Steward (CS) assisted. A doctor on board administered painkillers. The In-flight Manager decided not to use telemedical services given the impending descent. During landing preparations, attempts to move the passenger to a seat caused acute pain; the doctor advised letting her lie on the aisle. The PIC agreed, and pillows and blankets were placed for protection. The CS monitored her condition during landing. The aircraft landed safely, and medical personnel transferred the passenger to a local hospital.
Aircraft and Personnel
There was no damage to the aircraft. The PIC, aged 49, had 14,700 total flying hours with 8,703 on the B777. The FO, aged 32, had 1,747 total hours on the B777. Both held valid medical certificates.
Meteorological and Operational Factors
The Operational Flight Plan indicated possible turbulence, with Vertical Windshear values between one and five, interpreted as light to moderate turbulence. The fasten seatbelt signs functioned normally. QAR data showed the largest vertical acceleration variation was between 1.62G and 0.7G within three seconds at 2319 UTC.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the passenger was not seated when the turbulence intensified. Cabin crew had completed safety checks after the first turbulence but did not see passengers standing. The fasten seatbelt signs had been on for about 19 minutes before the second turbulence event.