Severe Turbulence for Delta Flight 56 (NTSB report)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the NTSB report on severe turbulence experienced by Delta Flight 56, including the aircraft's altitude fluctuations and passenger injuries. Participants explore the implications of turbulence, its potential increase due to climate change, and the robustness of commercial aircraft.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the plane reached speeds above the maximum operating limit and experienced significant altitude changes, with a climb and descent cycle occurring multiple times.
  • Another participant expresses amazement at the robustness of commercial planes in withstanding severe turbulence.
  • Some participants challenge the reported altitude changes, suggesting a different interpretation of the data, specifically proposing that the altitude change was around 1,000 feet rather than the reported 10,000 feet.
  • There is mention of "coffin corner" as a relevant concept to understand overspeed at high altitude, indicating that flying fast at high altitudes can reduce safety margins.
  • One participant raises the idea that severe turbulence may be increasing due to climate change and mentions the use of AI for better prediction and avoidance of turbulence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of the altitude changes and the implications of turbulence, indicating that multiple competing views remain without consensus on certain details.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the reported altitude changes and the conditions leading to overspeed, as well as the broader implications of climate change on turbulence.

Hornbein
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During the flight, NTSB noted, the plane at one point reached well above maximum operating speed and lifted the aircraft about 10,000 feet in nearly 20 seconds. The plane then “rapidly” dipped 25,000 feet, per the agency.

“A climb/descent cycle repeated about three times over a two- to three-minute period, which resulted in the airplane re-entering a cloud layer,” the report reads.

“After landing, 24 of the 246 passengers were evaluated by emergency medical technicians, with 18 transported to local hospitals for additional assessment; information regarding their conditions is currently unavailable,” the report reads.

https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/5496407-ntsb-preliminary-report-delta-turbulence/
 
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I can do without ever experiencing that! On a more positive, it is amazing how robust commercial planes are to be able to withstand such events.
 
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DaveE said:
More like 1,000 ft in 20 seconds, I think. The truth is out there...
https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/...ort_DCA25LA276_200672_9_9_2025-3_42_57-PM.pdf

Also, while not ideal, overspeed at high altitude in an event like this isn't too hard to do. You can search "coffin corner" if you want to see why. They fly fast at high altitude to generate the lift required; the margins are reduced.
Aha. I did feel that the reported turbulence was too much.
 
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