Planes can suddenly drop when flying primarily due to turbulence.
Turbulence occurs when an aircraft encounters air currents. According to the BBC, hitting these air currents can cause the plane to roll, pitch, or drop suddenly.
While turbulence causing sudden drops is a known phenomenon, severe instances described as "severe turbulence events" are considered extremely rare by pilots.
Pilots are trained to react when they encounter turbulence, though the reference does not detail the specific actions they take.
Key Points about Turbulence:
- Cause: Encountering air currents.
- Effects: Can cause sudden movements including dropping, rolling, or pitching.
- Frequency: Said to be becoming more common, potentially due to climate change.
- Severity: Severe events are reported as extremely rare.
In essence, the sudden dropping sensation experienced on a plane is a result of the aircraft moving through unstable or rapidly changing air masses.
