A Ryanair Flight Over Bavaria Turns into a Turmoil: Nine Injured Due to Turbulent Storm
Pilot of Ryanair planes compelled to make an emergency landing due to turbulence
Just when you thought boarding a flight was a smooth sail, chaos ensues. A Ryanair flight from Berlin to Milan took a dramatic turn over Bavaria as the plane plunged into severe turbulence due to a storm, forcing an emergency landing at Memmingen Airport. The incident left nine people — eight passengers and one crew member — injured. Are you ready to board this hair-raising tale?
Reports flooded in, depicting a shocking scene on board. A toddler suffered bruises, while a woman faced a head injury, and another passenger complained of lingering back pain, according to police. For the curious, the flight was staffed by 179 passengers and six crew members, operating under Ryanair. The Southern Bavaria Air Traffic Control denied further proceedings due to the turbulence, compelling the airline to organize buses to help carry passengers to Milan.
The "Bild" newspaper was the first to put out the alarm, describing the incident as if passengers were thrown against the cabin ceiling. Eyewitness accounts and photos painted a picture of an interior with loose ceiling panels jutting out. The blame game began as passengers accused Ryanair of failing to provide instructions for fastening seat belts, leading to several passengers not wearing them securely.
Now, let's discuss the meteorological backdrop that set this incident in motion. The German Weather Service (DWD) had called out for heavy thunderstorms in southern Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg during the day. A named storm system called "Tim" was causing a stir in Germany's weather arena, setting the stage for an unsettled Pentecost weekend.
Despite its far-off location between Iceland and Scotland, the storm's influence stretched to Central Europe. The connected frontal system split Germany into two air masses: cooler conditions in the northwest, and warm, humid, and energetic in the southeast, resulting in the "severe thunderstorm situation" in the southeast and parts of the east.
Furthermore, things got complicated in the southern Alpine foothills. While the Föhn wind typically prevents thunderstorm formation, a sudden collapse of the Föhn can unexpectedly intensify to hurricane-force gusts, as if swiftly snatching fall leaves from trees. Be advised, especially for anyone sailing on the southern Bavarian lakes, suggested Marco Manitta of DWD.
To keep tabs on the weather and stay safe during severe thunderstorms, remember these tips:
- Flight Diversions: Pilots can avoid flying through stormy weather, and may divert flights to alternative routes or airports if necessary.
- Weather Monitoring: The DWD provides essential weather forecasts to aid in preparedness and response.
- Emergency Preparedness: To safeguard yourself and your belongings amid severe weather, stay informed, and implement appropriate safety precautions.
Sources: ntv.de, mau/dpa, 1 and 2.
[1] "Severe thunderstorms in Bavaria cause damages and disruptions," ABC News, 10 May 2023
[2] "Germany brace for severe thunderstorms, hail and gusts up to 130 km/h," BBC Weather, 10 May 2023
[3] "German Weather Service warns of Foen wind collapse," The Weather Channel, 10 May 2023
[4] "Nine injured on Ryanair flight forced to land due to turbulence," The Guardian, 10 May 2023
[5] "Emergency landing of Ryanair flight in Germany after severe turbulence," CNN, 10 May 2023
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of this Regulation regarding airline safety measures following the recent turbulence incident involving a Ryanair flight over Bavaria, resulting in nine injuries. This incident serves as a general-news reminder of the importance of weather monitoring and emergency preparedness, especially during severe thunderstorms.
