Another turbulence incident occurred on a Cutter Airways flight from Doha to Dublin, resulting in 12 people being injured. This marks the second turbulence incident of the week for the airline. The turbulence occurred over Turkey, causing discomfort and injuries to passengers. The flight managed to land safely in Dublin, with eight individuals requiring hospitalization.
Severe turbulence has been a cause for concern, with a lack of empirical data linking it to global warming or other factors. However, a 2021 study suggested that global warming could lead to an increase in severe turbulence incidents, which seems to be reflected in recent events.
Qatar Airways has initiated an internal investigation to determine the cause of the turbulence. Factors being examined include whether the pilots encountered unexpected weather conditions or clear air turbulence. The investigation will focus on whether the incident could have been avoided and if there were any prior warnings from other flights in the area.
While pilots can often anticipate and warn passengers of turbulence based on previous reports or visible weather fronts, clear air turbulence remains a challenge. Current instruments do not provide real-time information on clear air turbulence, making it difficult for pilots to predict and avoid such conditions.
New technologies, such as ultrasonic or infrasonic microphones, are being developed to detect clear air turbulence and provide advanced warning to pilots. These innovations aim to enhance flight safety by improving the ability to anticipate and navigate through turbulent air without prior notice.
The incident highlights the importance of ongoing research and technological advancements in aviation to mitigate the risks associated with turbulence and ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
