Inquest: SQ321 turbulence caused cardiac arrest

What the inquest found

Geoff Kitchen, 73, from Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, died after being thrown from his seat when the Boeing 777 hit severe turbulence over south-western Myanmar on 21 May 2024, an inquest has concluded. The Avon assistant coroner, Peter Harrowing, said the physiological effect of the turbulence precipitated Kitchen's cardiac arrest.

"I am satisfied that it was the physiological effect of the aircraft turbulence which precipitated the cardiac arrest and ultimately Geoff's demise," Harrowing said.

Kitchen had a history of coronary artery disease and had stents fitted in April 2019, but a GP statement said a review that October found he had returned to normal exercise capacity. A 2023 review for ischaemic heart disease found no problems. An initial post-mortem in Thailand, where the plane was diverted, cited congestive heart failure. An additional post-mortem in Bristol by Dr Edward Sheffield gave the cause as cardiac failure due to coronary artery atheroma and the physiological effects of turbulence.

The flight and the turbulence

The plane was cruising at 37,000 feet when it hit severe turbulence at 07:49 GMT over south-western Myanmar, stabilised by 07:53, and made a Mayday call at 08:01 before landing in Bangkok at 08:45. The Straits Times reported that the weather radar on board had not detected the inclement weather, and the pilots had seen no clouds in their immediate flight path. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau said the pilots' actions were understandable and appropriate for the situation.

A report read to the inquest said 56 people were seriously injured and 23 had minor injuries, with Kitchen the only death.

Wife's injuries and legal action

Linda Kitchen, who was sitting next to her husband, suffered spinal fractures and a head wound that was bleeding profusely. She said her husband had pressed her to the side during the turbulence. She spent 10 days in a Thai hospital before being airlifted to Bristol, where she spent another week.

In a statement issued through her lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, Linda Kitchen said: "We had a happy and fulfilled marriage and now I've lost my soulmate." She has filed High Court proceedings against Singapore Airlines for damages, seeking specialist support for her back. A lawyer, Anthe Korelidou, said the family still has questions and wants thorough investigations. Singapore Airlines said it cannot comment on matters before the court.