Severe Turbulence for Delta Flight 56 (NTSB report)

[Hornbein]

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/

 

[Haborix]

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.

 

[DaveE]

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.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

Severe turbulence appears to be on the rise due to climate change.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/turbulence-deaths-flights-1.7209671

Some are using AI to better predict and avoid.
https://www.independent.co.uk/trave...-turbulence-weather-predictions-b2857288.html

 

[Hornbein]

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.