Weeks after the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 mysteriously disappeared with 239 passengers and crew members aboard on March 8, Malaysian authorities have given yet another example of how irresponsible they have been in handling the tragedy. Malaysia’s Transport Ministry released the transcript of the conversations between the air traffic control and the flight MH370’s cockpit.
Unsure whether last words were from Malaysia Airlines pilot or copilot
According to the transcript, the final words from the cockpit were “Good night Malaysian three seven zero.” Previously, Malaysian authorities had stated that the last message from the plane was “All right, good night.” It’s a small difference, but raises questions about how Malaysia has handled the investigation. CNN aviation analyst Mary Schiavo says that the final quote is routine, and it doesn’t signal that anything untoward occurred aboard.
Again, Malaysian authorities didn’t give any explanation for the discrepancy between the two versions of the final quote. They are still trying to figure out whether it was Malaysia Airlines flight MH370’s pilot or copilot who spoke the last words. Acting Transportation Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday that authorities aren’t hiding anything. He said certain details are the part of investigations.
Malaysia Airlines MH370 black box may go silent
Time is running out. On Tuesday, 10 military aircraft, nine ships and a civilian jet participated in the Indian ocean search. The search region is spread over 120,000 square kilometers (46,300 square miles). Authorities are racing to find the “black box” of the missing Malaysia Airlines jetliner before it goes silent. A black box usually gives signals only for 30 days. Now fears mount that time may run out.
Australian vessel Ocean Shield left Perth on Monday. The ship is fitted with a U.S. black box detector called “towed pinger locator.” But the vessel will take about three days to reach the search zone. Australian defense minister David Johnson said that there is only a slim chance of finding the black box because authorities will have to positively identify the debris to nail down the crash site.
Potential leads continue to appear. But no confirmed debris has been found. Family members of people onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 have repeatedly accused Malaysian officials of providing conflicting and confusing information.
