Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old man from Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, tragically died following an incident of severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight. The Boeing 777 aircraft was en route from London Heathrow to Singapore on 21 May 2024 when it encountered significant turbulence while flying over the south-western region of Myanmar.
The inquest at Avon Coroners' Court revealed that Mr Kitchen was seated beside his wife, Linda, when the turbulence struck, causing him to be thrown from his seat and land on a fellow passenger. The violent motion precipitated a cardiac arrest, with Mr Kitchen suffering fatal cardiac failure. Despite immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) administered onboard, the plane was diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, where Mr Kitchen was pronounced dead.
Mrs Kitchen, who sustained serious injuries including spinal fractures and a head wound during the incident, was rushed to hospital alongside other injured passengers. She described the moment turbulence began as a “huge drop or lunge”, resulting in immense pain as her husband pressed against her, leading to her injuries. Fellow passengers intervened to assist both Mr Kitchen and Mrs Kitchen during the chaotic event.
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Following the incident, Mrs Kitchen was not informed of her husband’s death until two days later. She spent ten days hospitalised in Bangkok before being airlifted back to Bristol for further treatment.
A preliminary post-mortem examination in Thailand attributed Mr Kitchen’s death to congestive heart failure. He had a medical history of coronary artery disease and had previously undergone a stent procedure in 2019, after which he returned to normal exercise capacity.
Consultant pathologist Dr Edward Sheffield confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac failure due to coronary artery atheroma combined with physiological effects of severe turbulence.
The official report on the incident detailed that the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet when it encountered severe turbulence at approximately 7.49 am while passing a waypoint near Myanmar’s west coast. The turbulence lasted several minutes before stabilising, but the severity resulted in 56 passengers sustaining serious injuries and 23 minor injuries.
A Mayday call was made at 8.01 am, with a diversion to Bangkok requested. The aircraft landed safely at 8.45 am, where medical teams were standing by.
Assistant Coroner Dr Peter Harrowing concluded the inquest by stating that the turbulence was the physiological trigger for Mr Kitchen’s cardiac arrest and subsequent death.
Mrs Kitchen, who now faces ongoing recovery and has instructed legal action against Singapore Airlines, described her husband’s death as “absolutely devastating” for the family, including their two children and four grandchildren. She expressed the heartbreak of losing her “soulmate” and the prospect of him not being present to see their grandchildren grow up.
Legal representatives from Irwin Mitchell, including specialist aviation solicitor Anthe Korelidou, emphasised the traumatic nature of the flight’s events and the family’s ongoing desire for thorough investigation and answers. The issuance of High Court proceedings marks a significant step towards addressing their concerns and seeking accountability.
The incident highlights the serious consequences that severe in-flight turbulence can have, especially for passengers with underlying health conditions.