You have probably been there. Chilling in your passenger seat and all of a sudden, you instantly start going up and down. The pilot gets on the intercom, saying the aircraft is flying through turbulence and need you to put on your seat belt.
Turbulence is what a lot of passengers fear when flying. It can be scary and some have been injured because of it. How does an aircraft handle it? Can turbulence cause a plane crash? Can it cause your flight to fall out of the sky?
What Is Turbulence?
Turbulence is the random motion of air, causing an irregular flow. This turbulent air interacts with an aircraft, causing bumps, shaking and sudden movements.
Pilots can not actually see turbulence while they are flying. They have to rely on other clues to estimate where the flight can get rough. Things like weather development, pilot reports and issued forecast can help turbulence detection.
Turbulent air can be caused by many things. Because of this, they are different types of turbulence. Some have the capability of being more powerful than others. Knowing how they are created helps with detecting them.
How Turbulence Is Created
Here are a few ways turbulence can be created:
Mechanical Turbulence
Turbulence caused by man-made objects or rough terrain
These objects disrupt smooth airflow, causing turbulent flow
Normally encountered close to ground level
Convective Currents
Convective currents caused by different objects emitting heat at different rates
This causes small areas of the air to rotate
This turbulence is noticeable, but not deadly
Thunderstorms
Strong updrafts and downdrafts caused by moist, unstable air
Very strong turbulence, especially hazardous to small aircraft
Pilots do their best to avoid thunderstorms
Wake Turbulence
This turbulence is caused by other aircraft
Based on how the wind flows around the wing, vortices are created
These vortices can be strong enough to bring down a plane, especially a small one
Air traffic control works hard to separate aircraft so that they do not encounter this
Clear Air Turbulence
This type of turbulence can occur with no indication. As the name suggests, clear air turbulence (CAT) can occur with no adverse weather conditions present in the area. It generally occurs at high altitudes, such as cruise. It can be clear as day, yet your aircraft will experience bumps. There is nothing to indicate CAT is out there. Pilots sometimes have to rely on reports from other aircraft ahead of them to expect this.
CAT occurs when there is a localized change in wind speed. This causes a wind shear to occur. The relatively faster wind will then try to pull the slower wind towards it, which results in deformations and circulation flows.
This wind shear can occur close to jet streams, which are narrow corridors of fast-moving winds. If an aircraft flies across or close to this, CAT can be experienced.
Can An Aircraft Handle It?
Aircraft today can definitely withstand turbulence without suffering from structural damage. Airplanes are designed to typically have a factor of safety of 1.5 of the ultimate load! These loads are almost never experienced on normal flights. Even though you can see the wings flexing while flying, turbulence will not cause these wings or any part of the aircraft to snap off.
An aircraft, however, did crash due to turbulence in the past. A BOAC 707 flight in 1966 flew too close to Mount Fuji. The strong winds from the mountainside created turbulence, thus causing it to break up mid-flight.
No 707 aircraft operates commercially today. New and modern aircraft can withstand these winds and will not fail, especially through CAT.
Check out the video below of airline pilots flying through turbulence. Notice how calm they are!
Buckle Up!
Pilots are trained to avoid turbulence as best as they can. It is common for them to ask ATC to change altitude and heading in order to make your ride smoother. For example, if they see a large cumulonimbus cloud along the flight path, they will not fly in or close the storm, but amend their route.
Their job is to ensure you reach your destination safe and make you feel comfortable. So the next time your encounter turbulence on your next flight, remember to buckle up and stay calm. It will eventually go away. Your plane will not fall out of the sky!
What is your worst turbulence experience? Let me know in the comments below.
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10 thoughts on “Can Turbulence Cause A Plane Crash? – Aircraft Safety”
Great information and great peace of mind. You answered the question that so many wonder and worry about when they are on a rough flight. It’s really interesting of all the things that cause turbulence. It’s very comforting knowing that today’s planes can withstand the turbulence. Thanks for the comfort and peace of mind. My brother in law is working on his aviator license, I’m going to refer him to your page. Stay Healthy! Jamie L.
I really enjoyed this post! It was well written and informative. I work as a PM in aerospace on training devices so I very rarely think about the actual aircraft and I’m sure those that do worry about getting onto a plane will take great comfort from your post. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you for this information. I have always tried to remain calm when turbulence happens on an aircraft but inside my mind is going wild. I have heard that the landing is the most dangerous part of the journey. Is this true? Thank you for reassuring me that this is ok.
Very good and informative article. I thought most aircraft flights are done on autopilot, so can they override the computer? When they design an aircraft, surely they design them to take all conditions. The wings are designed to flex because of the stress and strains that pressure be put on them. Keep your good work going.
Good to know that turbulence won’t make airplanes crash these days. With this COVID-19 pandemic, I long to get on an airplane and fly for a vacation. Unfortunately, that’s not happening anytime soon.
My family and I travel several times a year – we’ve experienced some crazy turbulence. That feeling when your heart drops and you have to do the sign of the cross and say a lil prayer. Thank goodness we’ve never experienced injuries which is why your seatbelt should always be buckled. And I’m amazed at how well the flight attendants handle themselves during turbulence.
We’ve been on an airplane that’s been struck with lightning though. That is super scary! Can that cause an airplane to crash?
It is extremely rare for an aircraft to go down and crash because it got struck by lightning. Planes today are designed so that the charge from the bolt does not build up and cause as much damage. Thank you for your comment.
Turbulence is the random motion of air, causing an irregular flow. This turbulent air interacts with an aircraft, causing bumps, shaking and sudden movements.
Pilots can not actually see turbulence while they are flying. They have to rely on other clues to estimate where the flight can get rough. Things like weather development, pilot reports and issued forecast can help turbulence detection.
Turbulent air can be caused by many things. Because of this, they are different types of turbulence. Some have the capability of being more powerful than others. Knowing how they are created helps with detecting them.
10 thoughts on “Can Turbulence Cause A Plane Crash? – Aircraft Safety”
Great information and great peace of mind. You answered the question that so many wonder and worry about when they are on a rough flight. It’s really interesting of all the things that cause turbulence. It’s very comforting knowing that today’s planes can withstand the turbulence. Thanks for the comfort and peace of mind. My brother in law is working on his aviator license, I’m going to refer him to your page. Stay Healthy! Jamie L.
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed the post!
I really enjoyed this post! It was well written and informative. I work as a PM in aerospace on training devices so I very rarely think about the actual aircraft and I’m sure those that do worry about getting onto a plane will take great comfort from your post. Thank you for sharing 🙂
It is wonderful you have experience in the aerospace industry. I am glad you like the post.
Thank you for this information. I have always tried to remain calm when turbulence happens on an aircraft but inside my mind is going wild. I have heard that the landing is the most dangerous part of the journey. Is this true? Thank you for reassuring me that this is ok.
Yes, that is correct. This is when most accidents happen. I am glad my post helped you.
Very good and informative article. I thought most aircraft flights are done on autopilot, so can they override the computer? When they design an aircraft, surely they design them to take all conditions. The wings are designed to flex because of the stress and strains that pressure be put on them. Keep your good work going.
You can turn off the autopilot by pressing one simple button. Aircraft are stronger than before today. Thank you for your comment.
Good to know that turbulence won’t make airplanes crash these days. With this COVID-19 pandemic, I long to get on an airplane and fly for a vacation. Unfortunately, that’s not happening anytime soon.
My family and I travel several times a year – we’ve experienced some crazy turbulence. That feeling when your heart drops and you have to do the sign of the cross and say a lil prayer. Thank goodness we’ve never experienced injuries which is why your seatbelt should always be buckled. And I’m amazed at how well the flight attendants handle themselves during turbulence.
We’ve been on an airplane that’s been struck with lightning though. That is super scary! Can that cause an airplane to crash?
It is extremely rare for an aircraft to go down and crash because it got struck by lightning. Planes today are designed so that the charge from the bolt does not build up and cause as much damage. Thank you for your comment.