Air New Zealand flight hits clear air turbulence

An Air New Zealand flight was struck by severe turbulence, knocking a cabin crew member off their feet and scalding a passenger.

Air new Zealand flight hits turbulence
Air New Zealand flight hits clear air turbulence. Image: Pexels

Air New Zealand says it will review inflight safety measures as a result of one of its flights hitting severe turbulence.

AIR TURBULENCE INCIDENTS

This is the third incident in recent times when passengers on commercial flights have been subjected to the impact of clear air turbulence.  

Just weeks ago, passengers on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 and Qatar Airways flight QR 017 were subjected to major turbulence.

AIR NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT

The latest incident occurred on 16 June when an Air New Zealand Airbus A320 was flying from Wellington to Queenstown.

Queenstown is a well-known winter sports destination, offering skiing, snowboarding and other activities.

A passenger was scalded by hot coffee and a staff member was sent crashing into the aircraft’s ceiling.

CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE

The flight had been in the air for around 15 minutes and cabin services had begun when the aircraft hit unexpected turbulence.

As a result, one of the cabin crew was thrown off their feet and lids came off the drinks flasks, spilling hot coffee onto the passenger’s abdomen and back.

ALSO READ: Emirates Airlines adds turbulence detection tools to aircraft

STRAPPED IN AND SCALDED

The passenger who was scalded by the hot coffee that spilled onto her was strapped in with her seatbelt but she sustained burns.

”There’s nothing you can do. You’re strapped in, you want to stay strapped in, there could be more turbulence and then you’ve got to deal with the level of burns you’ve just received. I was able to get hold of a bottle of cold water and start dousing myself and I was able to speak to the hostess who was still lying on the floor and said ‘Is it alright if I get water everywhere cos that’s what I’m going to be doing?’ and she said ‘go for it’,” the passenger said. 

Airlines are reviewing inflight safety policies to prevent passengers from sustaining major injuries and dying when flights hit unexpected turbulence.

Singapore Airlines has restricted hot beverage service during turbulence. Its crew is expected to remain seated at such times.

HOSPITALIZATION REQUIRED

The New Zealand Herald says the passenger and cabin crew member were taken to a nearby hospital in a moderate condition.

After the incident, the passenger said Air New Zealand should reconsider serving hot drinks on short flights and improve the lids on their coffee flasks.

REVIEWING INFLIGHT SAFETY MEASURES

The incident has prompted Air New Zealand to reconsider its hot drinks service policy.

Air NZ’s Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan said the company is reviewing its operating procedures to ensure the safety of its customers and crew members.

”The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is our number one priority, and our crew are trained to respond to these situations. Our operating procedures outline our onboard response to different levels of turbulence, including detailing when passengers and crew are required to take their seats during the flight. From time to time, clear-air turbulence can occur where rough air is not visible to the flight crew,” Morgan said.

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