On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, Lufthansa Flight LH511, operated by a Boeing 747-8, encountered severe turbulence over the Atlantic Ocean while en route from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Frankfurt, Germany. The incident resulted in injuries to five passengers, who were not wearing their seat belts at the time. The aircraft, registered as D-ABYP, was carrying 329 passengers and 19 crew members during this transatlantic journey.
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The flight had departed Ezeiza Airport in Argentina at approximately 17:52 ART and was cruising at 33,000 feet when it hit the rough air. Pilots attempted to navigate around the turbulence by climbing to 34,000 feet and then to 35,000 feet, but the unexpected turbulence struck nonetheless. This occurred in an intertropical convergence zone, known for its atmospheric instability, which can lead to sudden and severe weather changes. Upon landing at Frankfurt Airport, emergency medical services were on hand to assist the injured passengers. Lufthansa confirmed that the injuries sustained were mostly minor, though the exact details of the passengers' conditions were not immediately disclosed. The airline reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and expressed regret over the incident, ensuring full support for the affected individuals.
Lufthansa, while proud of its safety record, has faced several challenges with its fleet recently. This incident follows another notable event earlier in the year where an Airbus A350 flying from Munich to Los Angeles experienced a similar issue, highlighting the unpredictable nature of atmospheric disturbances. The aircraft involved in this incident, the Boeing 747-8, is noted for its reliability and has been part of Lufthansa's fleet since June 2014.
This particular model, the 1,500th 747 built, carries a special livery commemorating this milestone. Despite its robust design, no aircraft is immune to the forces of nature, and this event underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols like seat belt use during flights, especially over areas known for potential turbulence. Lufthansa has committed to reviewing the incident in detail to understand how such occurrences can be better anticipated or mitigated in the future, aiming to enhance safety measures for passengers and crew alike.