What happened
On June 20, 2024, at 15:47 UTC, a Boeing 787-9, registered as PH-BHE, encountered severe turbulence while performing a regular commercial passenger flight. The aircraft was operating flight KL702, traveling from Santiago de Chile International Airport (SCEL) toward Ministro Pistarini International Airport (SAEZ).
During the initial climb phase, as the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 32,500 feet, it entered an area of intense atmospheric instability. The incident occurred near position KOTNI, located roughly 165 kilometers south of Mendoza, Argentina. Despite the encounter, the flight crew continued the flight profile and successfully landed the aircraft at its destination without further incident.
The investigation
The preliminary investigation focused on the flight conditions and the aircraft's performance during the climb. The JST examined the flight path and the meteorological conditions present at the time of the encounter. There were no injuries reported among the 11 crew members or the 257 passengers on board, and the aircraft sustained no damage.
Findings
- The primary factor in the encounter was the aircraft's passage through a zone of severe turbulence during the ascent.
- The flight was conducted under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC).
- The aircraft maintained structural integrity and operational control throughout the event.