Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, with 239 people on board, shocked the world when it mysteriously vanished without a trace while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
Despite the most expensive underwater search in history, the families of those on board are still left without answers.
What happened to flight MH370?
After losing contact with MH370 close to Phuket island in the Strait of Malacca on March 8, 2014, it was discovered that the last words heard from the plane were “Good night Malaysian three seven zero.”
Passengers on the flight included Chinese calligraphers, a couple returning from their honeymoon, and a construction worker who had been away from home for a year.
Landing in the north
Initial theories pointed to the possibility of the plane flying north into central Asia, but this hypothesis was later discredited after parts of the plane were found off the coast of Africa.
The final search report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) in 2017 suggested two theories, one being the possibility of a “controlled ditching” by a conscious pilot.
‘Mass hypoxia’
Debris from the plane washing up on beaches across east Africa led to the conclusion that MH370 crashed in the south Indian Ocean near Western Australia due to a possible “mass hypoxia event.”
This theory suggests a sudden loss of oxygen causing the plane to change course and eventually run out of fuel.
A deliberate act
Various conspiracy theories revolve around the idea that Captain Zaharie deliberately crashed the plane, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Recent investigations by Richard Godfrey propose a new location for the crash in the southeastern Indian Ocean.
Latest Developments
In March 2024, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed willingness to reopen the investigation if compelling new evidence arises, as the families commemorated the 10th anniversary of the plane’s disappearance.
Engineering breakthroughs have suggested a new crash site for MH370, further intensifying the search efforts.
Conclusion
The many theories surrounding the disappearance of MH370 have only added to the anguish felt by the families of the passengers, as closure remains elusive.
