Turbulence is an unavoidable part of air travel that can range from minor bumpiness to violent jolts. While turbulence is typically just an inconvenience, some people wonder if it’s possible for turbulence to cause a plane to literally fall out of the sky. The short answer is that it is extremely unlikely for even severe turbulence to cause a modern commercial plane to crash when the aircraft is operated and maintained properly. However, turbulence can damage aircraft and injure passengers, with severe cases resulting in a handful of turbulence-related accidents over the decades. Overall, turbulence should not deter people from flying, as long as they follow safety guidelines, such as always wearing a seatbelt while seated.
What causes turbulence?
Turbulence occurs when bodies of air moving at different speeds meet and create eddies, currents, and waves. Some common causes of turbulence include:
– Weather patterns like thunderstorms, jet streams, and atmospheric instability
– Mountain waves, caused by air hitting mountains
– Wake turbulence, caused by wingtip vortices from other planes
– Thermal currents, caused by uneven heating of the Earth’s surface
Turbulence can happen at any altitude and pilots often cannot see it coming. However, meteorologists can forecast areas of potentially rough air using weather radar, satellite imagery, and pilot reports. Pilots will avoid turbulence when possible or fly around or above turbulent zones. However, sometimes turbulence is unavoidable.
Turbulence categories
The aviation industry categorizes turbulence severity into four levels:
Light turbulence
Light choppiness that causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and attitude (orientation), like a small boat on wavy water. Passengers may feel light bumps or jolts.
Moderate turbulence
Changes in altitude and attitude become more pronounced and abrupt. Passengers feel larger jolts and shaking. Unsecured objects move around the cabin. Drinks spill occasionally.
Severe turbulence
Aircraft is tossed around forcefully with large variation in altitude and attitude. Passengers and crew members are forced violently against seatbelts. Unsecured objects are tossed about. Food service and walking are impossible.
Extreme turbulence
Aircraft is violently tossed about and practically impossible to control. Passengers are hurled and sustained injuries are possible unless seatbelts are worn. Structural damage to aircraft is possible.
Why don’t planes fall from the sky in turbulence?
Modern commercial jets are engineered to withstand severe turbulence thanks to features like:
- Sturdy aircraft structures
- Powerful engines with quick power response
- Advanced flight control systems that automatically compensate for turbulence
- Detailed weather information to avoid the worst turbulence when possible
While turbulence can make flying very uncomfortable, it takes truly extreme conditions to overpower a commercial airliner’s design and cause loss of control. Airlines also follow strict regulations for inspection and maintenance of planes to keep all components in working order. Pilots are highly trained on flying in adverse weather and dealing with unusual attitudes. Additionally, mandatory use of seatbelts keeps passengers secure and significantly reduces injuries.
All of these safeguards allow modern commercial jets to routinely handle heavy turbulence without catastrophic consequences. While turbulence contributes to occasional accidents, the overall risk is extremely low given the billions of flight miles covered.
Historic turbulence incidents
Here is a look at some notable turbulence-related accidents over the years:
| Date | Flight | Injuries/Fatalities | Aircraft Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 1966 | BOAC 911 | 122 injuries | Lost tail section and engines |
| January 1966 | Avianca 052 | 124 fatalities | Broke up in mid-air |
| July 1970 | ALOA 831 | 1 fatality, 27 injuries | Damage to wing and tail |
| April 1997 | FedEx 14 | 2 crew injuries | Heavy aircraft damage |
While any loss of life is tragic, these accidents occurred decades ago under less advanced conditions compared to today. Commercial aviation has implemented many improvements in technology and safety practices since then to prevent turbulence from causing crashes.
Turbulence safety tips
Despite the low risk, following some simple tips can minimize discomfort and potential injury from turbulence:
- Always wear your seatbelt when seated
- Listen to crew instructions
- Avoid standing if turbulence is expected
- Watch out for unsecured items like laptops
- Don’t try to tough it out – if needed, ask crew for assistance
By taking basic precautions, air travelers can continue confidently taking to the skies without excessive worry over turbulence bringing down an airliner.
Conclusion
While turbulence can be alarming, rest assured that modern commercial jets are engineered to fly through all but the most extreme turbulent conditions. Mandatory use of seatbelts, improved weather information, better pilot training, and strict aircraft maintenance programs have also drastically reduced turbulence risk over the decades.
With the right precautions, the disconcerting bumps and jolts of turbulence should not deter the overwhelming majority of air travel, which occurs smoothly. Statistically, driving to the airport poses a much higher safety hazard than the remote chance of severe turbulence causing a crash. So while hitting some choppy air may prompt nervousness for both new and experienced flyers, have peace of mind knowing that staying buckled up will allow you to safely ride it out.