On 8 March 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 vanished without a trace during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. As the search for the missing plane unfolded, various theories emerged, attempting to explain the mysterious disappearance. Netflix has now released a documentary called “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared,” shedding light on the different hypotheses surrounding the incident.
Was Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Ever Found?
Despite extensive search efforts by authorities from Malaysia, China, and Australia, the aircraft was never located. The official search operation concluded in January 2017. However, families of the passengers and crew continue to seek answers. Recently, on March 7, 2023, the Guardian reported that they are urging the Malaysian government to authorize a new search. US marine robotics company Ocean Infinity claims to have new evidence that could provide crucial insights into the fate of Flight 370. Voice370, a group representing the families, emphasized the importance of completing the search to prevent similar tragedies and maintain global aviation safety.
What Happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370? 5 Theories Explained
The flight’s last contact was made when it entered Vietnamese airspace on the early morning of March 8, 2014. However, the plane deviated from its intended path, taking a sharp left turn and re-entering Malaysian airspace. It then flew for nearly six hours over the Indian Ocean before disappearing from radar completely. The Netflix documentary delves into five main theories surrounding the incident:
1. The Plane Crashed
Debris found in various locations, such as the Indian Ocean island of Réunion, Tanzania, Mozambique, South Africa, Madagascar, and Mauritius, has been confirmed or believed to be from MH370. By December 2016, 33 pieces of debris had been discovered, with three positively identified as belonging to the plane. These findings suggest that the aircraft crashed, potentially into the Indian Ocean. The Malaysian government’s official report in July 2018 stated that no evidence of malfunction or defects contributing to the disappearance had been found.
2. The Plane Was Shot Down Because of Its Cargo
One theory explored in the documentary suggests that MH370 may have been shot down over the South China Sea due to its cargo. Families of the passengers urged the Malaysian government to examine the debris for shrapnel evidence. This theory gained some weight considering that another Malaysian Airlines flight was shot down over Ukraine in July 2014, seemingly to divert attention from Russia’s occupation of Crimea. The Malaysian government’s official report did not rule out the involvement of a third party in MH370’s disappearance.
3. The Pilot Was Responsible
The documentary also explores the theory that pilot Zaharie Ahmad Shah was involved in a “murder-suicide plot.” Zaharie’s flight simulator indicated a similar diverted route to the one taken by the plane. The theory suggests that he manually turned off radar communications and depressurized the cabin, leaving the aircraft on autopilot until it ran out of fuel and crashed. However, the official report stated that there was no evidence to suggest culpability on the part of the pilot or first officer.
4. The Plane Was Hijacked
Another theory suggests that MH370 was hijacked during the flight. According to the documentary, Russian hijackers may have taken control of the plane to divert attention from Russia’s activities in Crimea. The Malaysian government’s report did not exclude the possibility of unlawful interference by a third party. However, no terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the disappearance.
5. U.S. Military Involvement
Marc Dugain, former director of Proteus Airlines, put forth a theory that the plane was shot down by the US military to prevent it from crashing into the American military base on Diego Garcia Island. This theory suggests a cover-up by the US. It is important to note that the credibility of this theory remains uncertain.
FAQs
Q: Has Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 ever been found?
A: Despite extensive search efforts, the aircraft has not been located.
Q: Is there any evidence of what happened to MH370?
A: Debris believed to be from MH370 has been found in various locations, indicating a potential crash in the Indian Ocean. However, no definitive evidence has been discovered to provide a complete understanding of the incident.
Q: What are the main theories surrounding the disappearance of Flight 370?
A: The main theories include a plane crash, the plane being shot down due to its cargo, pilot responsibility, hijacking, and US military involvement.
Q: Is there any evidence to support the theories presented?
A: While some evidence, such as debris, indicates a crash, no concrete evidence has yet been found to definitively support any of the theories presented.
Q: Will there be a renewed search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370?
A: The families of the passengers and crew are urging the Malaysian government to authorize a new search, as US marine robotics company Ocean Infinity claims to have new evidence.
Conclusion
The mysterious disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014 continues to captivate the world’s attention. Despite extensive search efforts and various theories, the aircraft and its occupants remain missing. The Netflix documentary “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared” explores the different hypotheses surrounding the incident, shedding light on the search for answers. While the ultimate fate of Flight 370 remains unknown, the families of the passengers and crew persist in their quest for closure, urging authorities to continue the search for the truth.
