An Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 737 MAX encountered severe turbulence while traversing the Andes Mountains.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration LV-HKW was operating a flight from Santiago, Chile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, while it was flying over the Andes Mountains, it encountered severe turbulence.
Sources familiar with the matter claim this turbulence event ranks among the most severe the airline has witnessed in the past 15 years. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.
Footage shared on the internet shows the wing flexing during the turbulence.
While the cause of the turbulence remains unknown, commercial aircraft wings are rigorously tested during certification to withstand extreme conditions.
They are designed to handle loads 1.5 times, or 150%, greater than the maximum aerodynamic stress they are anticipated to encounter in flight. This ensures passenger safety even during unexpected turbulence.
