A British woman has recounted the harrowing experience of losing her husband and suffering spinal fractures during severe turbulence aboard a Singapore Airlines flight. Linda and Geoff Kitchen, from Thornbury near Bristol, were on their way to Australia in May 2024 when their Boeing 777-300ER, flight SQ321, encountered extreme turbulence approximately 10 hours into the journey.
The aircraft plunged 178 feet in just five seconds, causing widespread panic and chaos. Photos from the cabin revealed that oxygen masks had deployed, and the galley was left in disarray with spilled bottles of wine and water.
Linda Kitchen, 74, sustained spinal fractures and required intensive care. She was transferred to the UK for further treatment ten days after the incident. However, her physical pain was overshadowed by the loss of her 73-year-old husband, Geoff, who died on board from a suspected heart attack.
"It was so severe; it felt like the aircraft was dropping," Linda Kitchen told The Independent. "The drop in altitude seemed to happen suddenly. I fell backwards and to the side and felt pain shooting through me. Geoff fell onto me and was squashing me into the armrest and I couldn't move him."
Other passengers and a doctor attempted to provide CPR to Geoff Kitchen near an escape door, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Linda Kitchen stated she learned of her husband's death two days later, describing the news as "absolutely devastating."
Geoff Kitchen is survived by his two children, aged 48 and 45, and four grandchildren.
Linda Kitchen has initiated legal proceedings against Singapore Airlines, filing two claims in the High Court. Her family is also awaiting the results of an inquest into Geoff's death. Another specialist aviation lawyer, Anthe Korelidou of Irwin Mitchell, is representing Linda and stated that the High Court proceedings are a significant step toward providing the family with answers.
Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong had previously apologized for the "traumatic experience" endured by those on board the flight. The airline has been contacted for further comment.