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World Should Be On High Alert Until MH370 Is Found

Submitted
My friends and readers have been asking me what happened to MH370 since I am an airline pilot with more than 25 years of seniority. Like most of the world, I have been following this situation, and I have refrained from adding to all the speculation—waiting and watching for facts to reveal the mystery—until now. The more details that become available, the better the possible picture comes into focus—and it scares me. So I share this guess with you all because we (the world) cannot get caught… (airchive.com) More...

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pwhitcomb
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2014/03/mh370-electrical-fire/ - another plausible theory
preacher1
preacher1 1
most plausible
pilot62
Scott Campbell 4
I doubt more hasn't been planned, dreamed and imagined to bring us down. I say anything is possible along with the fact that most passengers won't sit still
and obey without trying to intervene. So it makes sense to climb beyond the cabin passengers ability to breath, and then move on wihtout the threat. But then you have no hostages or way out. We can't relax anymore, and the constant threat is just that.
So laugh and make jokes, but the reality is, none of us can afford to, and hopefully our side continues to be as diligent as possible in the future.
JohnKentonPage
This is pure speculation. It may well be a highjacking but there is absolutely no proof of that at present. I am also a very experienced pilot and the author should no better than to jump to conculsions.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 0
It doesn't appear he's jumping to conclusions any more than all of us. We're drowning in theories.
fpk2
fernando kosop 12
super good article..after 9/11 NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.....nothing at all. It is very stupid not to think about the possibilities mr. Berry has pointed out. We, the aviation community" must be up and alert to defend all kinds of acts or procedures that might help prevent disaster or terrorist attacks all over the world. Terrorists belong to the lowest class of the human race, the do not "think" as humans...they act as beasts moved by the most ridiculous religious beliefs!!!
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 4
Again this is pure speculation on the author's part & the problem I have with the article is that if not before, that now anyone interested in doing what the author has proposed as a possibility, now has a new idea to do so. That scares me. Giving the enemy a new idea.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 2
The exact thoughts crossed my mind as I read the blog yesterday when it was posted on the internet - oh great - put THAT idea out there! Although, I have to admit it seems a bit far fetched, as there surely must be easier ways to transport WMD.
captainjman
Jason Feldman 4
Just to throw out a few numbers -

1st - lets not give anyone any new horrible ideas

2nd - I think the evil doers unfortunately have a very creative mind

3rd - brainstorming and getting readers to brainstorm may be a good idea

4th - life is stranger than fiction

5th - you can't use logic like "the missing proof is evidence" - i.e.. the very fact that there is no proof that the dali lama didn't steal the US Constitution proves that he did it without being detected

6th - Anything is possible

7th - I did feel a bit of "please do not remain calm- be fearful, be shaken, don't feel safe, fear mongering that inevitably leads to things like the PATRIOT ACT or WAR WITH IRAQ or EMERGENCY POWERS etc etc etc

btweston
btweston 6
Wonderful. Just give me some evidence.
wangito
Ira Curtis -3
Your evidence: a missing without trace Boeing 777. Isn't this big enough?
Wayne47
Given that enormous amounts of money is being being spent looking for Flight MH370 I find it interesting that no substantial reward has been offered for information leading to the location of the plane.

If such a reward is offered it should be done through and international organization and not by anyone government (including Malaysia). If the plane has been hijacked someone may know something relevant to finding the aircraft and may be willing to devulge it for money and animinity.
HWDJeremy
Unfortunately, this has been going through my head all along. Now that I know that several other professional pilots share this view with me....
btweston
btweston 4
Right. So this guy doesn't know what happened either. Gotta hand it to him, though. He really convinced himself.

I personally think it was aliens.
PaulN2719
PaulN2719 3
It's like "Lost", they crashed on an island that has disappeared!
Av8nut
Michael Fuquay 3
At this point, all theories have to be entertained
yr2012
matt jensen 2
At this point, me too!
SWEATINTHSWAMP
SWEATINTHSWAMP 4
If Snowden were to be believed where is NSA? I thought they knew every thing about every body including airplanes communications.
btweston
btweston 7
What they know is secret. That's what spying on people is all about.
tcmarks
Tim Marks 4
Good article. Agree with the assumptions for someone(s) gaining control of the aircraft, disposing of the passengers (not being held for ransome at a later date), and landing safely at an undetected location means this group had planned in advance and was well trained for air piracy. Now these people potentially have a flying bomb and weapon of mass destruction that could be used anywhere in the world. Slipping into the 'normal' air traffic patterns in a 'low observable' radar coverage area (like in the middle of an ocean) and flying late night would liekly not raise suspicions until this aircraft is on its suicide run into a 'high value' target - then it is too late.
nasdisco
Chris B 1
Tim: My concerns exactly.Going to 45k and depressurizing while wearing O2 masks will kill off all passengers and flight crew before they realize it. In the meantime, lets not forget about the 727 fuel tanker that vanished years ago.... http://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/the-727-that-vanished-2371187/?no-ist
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 3
They'd have to also expressly depressurize the cabin. The plane could easily go to 45k or however high its' engines will push it, and maintain the pressurization.

In order to make it difficult to breath, whoever is at the controls would have to BOTH take the plane to altitude AND ALSO set the cabin pressurization to a high altitude.

One or the other by itself would be insufficient. Both together are necessary.

Another scenario is that whoever is at the controls, could've dumped the cabin pressurization without any oxygen masks (disable oxygen mask control in cabin and not wear the masks on flight deck) to make the end even more final.

If the plane is on autopilot, ir child conceivably continue until fuel runs out.

I make no assertions about who would be at the controls to do such a thing, be it a pilot or a hijacker.
Wayne47
The Malaysian authorities should careful review all the surveillance video of flight MH370 while setting on the ground in Kuala Lumpur to see if all the ground support people that went on board the plane or were working around the plane while it was on the ground can be identified and found. It could be that hijackers boarded and secreted themselves on the plane prior to the takeoff and would not therefore be listed on the manifest. It could also be hard for the local authorities to admit their security was so porous such a thing could happen.
timfountain
Tim Fountain 2
Vacuous article based on the unproven premise that the plane was hijacked. FFS no one knows what happened. I am surprised that a supposed professional pilot would put their name to this drivel. Sorry he lost his fiancee in the TWA-800 accident, but that was not a terrorist related.
smoki
smoki 1
"....but that was not terrorist related." Oh, really. Let me guess: You came to that conclusion after reading the drivel passed off as an accident report by the NTSB as to the cause of TWA 800 falling out of the sky in pieces shortly after takeoff from JFK in July 1996. This article has far more plausibility to it than that drivel, to be sure, and your dismissal of it is presumptuous to say the least and indicative of a typical negative bias based presumably on the fact that hijacking of a large jet transport for a future ulterior motive has never happened before.

The hijacking of the flight for some future ulterior motive is far more plausible at this point than what is presumed to be your premise, that it is in pieces at the bottom of the ocean, based on the facts as they are presently known. Suicidal terrorists generally don't go out of their way to hide their evil acts, quite the contrary, they want as much public exposure as possible for the sake of intimidation which after all is the purpose of terrorism.
joelwiley
joel wiley 2
Another disturbing thread. Just trying to find the scope of 'who benefits' is difficult when we don't know what values are involved. 777 carries a big payload. Chemical, biological, nuclear, or a mix-and-match withes brew placed on board for a destination. Who is the target might better be answered once it is found who possesses the plane. Murkier and uglier as time goes on.
preacher1
preacher1 3
Back to reality, and now it is pointing back to the other side. CNN just had a former NTSB investigator on and he said that he believes the plane is in the water and that the reason it hasn't been found was on account of the Malaysian government keeping search assets on the East side and currents and all, moving any debris during that time. This is feasible if an upset such as an electrical fire or something and the crew turned to a diversion airport but was then overcame and the plane simply flew until it ran out of gas.
joelwiley
joel wiley 4
I do so hope you're right and I'm wrong.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
Same here. Imagine so many hoping the plane is in the water.

But all the ELTs will have had to malfunction, for the plane to be in water and no ELTs to activate upon impact. It is possible. Apparently they're not 100% reliable.
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 2
the black box in the tail of the acft sends out a "ping" for approximately 30 days...in the water.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
The Russians did something similar after shooting down the errant Korean airliner.

Had others look in the wrong place as the Russians cleaned up the real impact zone. Then moved selected pieces of the airliner.
preacher1
preacher1 4
Every pilot have talked to about it in the last couple of days either has it as hijacked for whatever reason or as I said above, a problem of some type that they were trying to get back and land, then got overcame and flew on.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 3
Although those seem plausible, it is understandable, that when it seems the Malsysians are looking at the pilots as potential scapegoats, that other pilot colleagues would favor options that don't scorch the reputation of the pilots (without evidence).
preacher1
preacher1 1
Well, scorching the pilot's reputation never entered any of the conversations; it was simply that it was hijacked, as in turned from planned route, for whatever reason.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
Malaysian investigators seemed like that might be going in that direction. They announced that the missing flight was most likely the result of a deliberate act, as they searched the pilots' home a week after the flight went missing, and publicly shared details about the simulator an the political leanings of the highly respected senior pilot.

It would be natural for pilots to rebuff the potential scapegoating of a fellow pilot.
captainjman
Jason Feldman 1
It could fall into the category of ; we can't let our citizens (of their respective countries) know that we are so inept at our job of patrolling the skis or the people will lose faith in our government for not providing real protection and defense that it could lead to civil unrest.... so we have to go with ANY reason that will fit - and to the non- professional the existence of a flight simulator at the Captains house may seem wildly out of place

It really could be anything - like Preacher1 said - it could have been an attempt to turn back -

what if a fire broke out in the cockpit like on the MD-11 over Nova Scotia... and before leaving the cockpit the pilots turned on heading mode and started whipping the heading knob around when smoke/fire overcame them and they fled the cockpit- the plane would have turned to the new heading and flown in that direction until fuel exhaustion should the cabin fill will smoke, toxic and killed everyone. A fire could "cut" the wires to the transponder.... it was the cap down wiring int he MD11's entertainment system that doomed Swissair 111

Not saying it IS that, but it could be something innocent like that
yr2012
matt jensen 2
Israel has been on high alert all week. The last thing they need to have happen - is the unthinkable
lolia
lolia 2
I've thought this all along. Good to know pilots have considered this hypothesis too. People can dismiss ideas like this all day long, but the reality is until the plane is found, you can't discount anything. Prior to the event, we never considered an event like 9/11 would of actually happened, but then it did. I think its foolish to not entertain the idea that terrorist attack of this nature could also occur.
BeechSportBill
BeechSportBill 2
...Final question for all Air Defence commanders - WHAT colors will it be painted with? SURELY not the ones it was wearing when it took ott???

[This poster has been suspended.]

preacher1
preacher1 5
Actually it is FUSTERCLUCK. LOL but we get the point. LOL
reignman40
Joe Morrison 2
I think it would be a lot easier to buy an airline ticket (even a large group of people) and get on a plane rather than steal a Fedex or UPS plane on the ramp. You couldn't just spool it up, taxi and takeoff unless you were highly trained. Even hijacking you would have to hide on the plane from the crew. Hard for even one person to do, let alone a group.
raleedy
ALLAN LEEDY 6
Paranoid nonsense. The criminal act theory was predicated on a sequence of events shutting down communications and changing course that, on reflection, doesn't hold up to close analysis. Much more likely is a catastrophic event (fire, decompression or both) that incapacitated the flight crew before they could complete a diversion (most likely to Langkawi), leaving the aircraft to fly uncommanded and undetected over the Indian Ocean until its fuel ran out.
preacher1
preacher1 8
Anything is possible at this time. Until the plane is found/boxes recovered if crashed, we'll never know.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 3
Allan should 'predicate' on the lack of ELT signals that would've acrivated and transmitted lat,long GPS location data automatically to satellites, if the plane had crashed or exploded.

No crash means no crash. So where'd it go?
SWEATINTHSWAMP
SWEATINTHSWAMP 4
If it were catastrophic wouldn't a debris field, even a very small one, be seen on the surface the next morning?
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
Beyond that, there would be multiple ELTs directing rescuers /searchers toward those debris.
preacher1
preacher1 2
You would think so.
raleedy
ALLAN LEEDY 2
Yes, you would, except that for the longest time nobody was looking in the likely place. With no technical knowledge or experience of my own to rely on, I find the absence of crash indicia easier to accept than the whole idea of either the drawn-out murder/suicide (which, incidentally, also involves a crash) or the even more fanciful theory of a hijacking and subsequent evasion, landing and concealment.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
But shouldn't the ELTs ping their location to the satellites, to tell rescuers/ searchers where to look.

Or they they lack satcom entirely, and only acquire satellite positionin info to broadcast via radiowaves?
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
Turns out it's both (depending on ELT tech used).

But all modern digital 406 MHz both send distress signal to satellites, as well as being able to be searched locally.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
https://www.aopa.org/Advocacy/Regulatory-,-a-,-Certification-Policy/Regulatory-Brief-Emergency-Locator-Transmitters-ELTs.aspx
THRUSTT
THRUSTT 1
Well the one for the Flightaware staff writer's Baron didn't work, possible this one didn't either...
ccthorp
ccthorp 2
Kind of like Schrodinger's Cat.
Moviela
Ric Wernicke 5
If Visa can determine if my credit card is good worldwide in less than 7 seconds, perhaps now governments will check the validity of passports online too.

Until MH370 has resolved, it would not be wrong to take a second look at Muslim males between 17 and 41 years old. This profiling would not be racist because Islam attracts people of all races.

I grow weary of people referring to Malaysia as a "banana republic" and other meant to demean terms. It is a true democracy, the food is edible and the water safe to drink from the tap. Religious beliefs are respected and the population is tolerant of foreigners. Look who America elects to high office and you'd think we were a banana republic, were it not that we don't grow bananas.
preacher1
preacher1 0
To me, the term banana republic is just a catch all, Rick, kinda like the Muslims. You have a group of people trying to be important in front of the world and doing a very poor job of it. Regarding Mark's article here, I would have a feeling that part of our military is ratcheting up for just such a scenario. I personally feel though that it was taken for the pax, by this Western China Muslim group that wants to break from China, and that all tis search is a cover for ongoing negotiations between them and China. What adds to my curiosity on this is that other than a couple of meaningless blurbs, China has been quiet on this whole matter. That is unusual as one of the trajectories came right into the heart of their territory, in which Airspace is so tightly controlled by the military.

[This comment has been downvoted. Show anyway.]

btweston
btweston 4
Well that was one hell of a pivot.

I don't understand what you're talking about (President of the world? What?), but based on the randomness and incongruity of your statement it looks like you've already settled on what you want to think. I'm guessing your point of view is beyond discussion.
bobhirst
Robert Hirst 1
The thread below is excessively political and off-point. Let's agree that the problem here is that an aircraft is missing, it looks like a professional was involved somehow and that it represents a real danger should it be pointed at people with malice.

Enough politics!
preacher1
preacher1 -4
At one time, just by occupying the position of POTUS, everyone did listen to him, until they listened to him closely and figured out it was hot air and BS. Several commentators from overseas have said that we may get over him, but their worry is an electorate that would elect him twice.
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 -6
Nobody listens to or takes seriously a perpetual liar (with the exception of the human lemmings).
Cannikin
Cannikin 1
You could be talking about any president in the last 30 years.
preacher1
preacher1 -3
While all have done their share, I think this one has to be in the lead for just out and out blatant public lying and non performance, helped by a population that thinks he can do no wrong and that his mouth is nothing but the truth.
yr2012
matt jensen -5
Don't get me started down that path. He lied about where he was born, so PTB covered his tracks; he's lied about healthcare and now millions have none. It was supposed to be for children - notice how it has evolved.
WeatherWise
WeatherWise 2
Is this FlightAware and a thread about a missing plane? How the f*ck does Obama bashing fall into any of this? Unless your stupid arse is parked in the Oval office, where I'm sure YOU could do a better job...NOT!...STFU and stay on topic.
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 0
I could have sworn the topic was about hijacking and terrorism which becomes very political. Remember?
And nobody mentioned the name Obama but you. I did use the name of a fruit; banana.
State your opinion all you want but don't try and be the Flightaware policeman (censor). It don't work.
allench1
allench1 -3
You madam should move to another site as this one is obviously above your mental capacity to control your immature and brainless thoughts. Try NAACP THEY WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU.
preacher1
preacher1 1
And ya'll all got on my case the other day for waking up pissed off. Ya'll are waking up plumb ornery this morning but you speak the truth. And as we continue another day of speculation on 370, it looks like it will now be shades of TWA800 and KAL007. There is a post saying a sub shot it down accidentally and got cleaned up, like the Rusky's did with KAL007
allench1
allench1 -1
Now Preach we all know that it had to be our pres. martian relatives as I understand he also has a birth certificate from Nofact,Vally of the deceitful, Mars. zip code 0000000.
preacher1
preacher1 1
btweston
btweston 0
What are you talking about, friend?
fedexman2
Eric Schmaltz -1
LOL..LOL..God that's hilarious! You grow 'dem bananas right 'dere in Ky. y'all!! LMAO!!! God somebody stop me!!!
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
Like I've said, many will be relieved to fond this plane crashed. As horrible as that would be; would be better than the alternative.
TXCAVU
Agree with the fear factor. Too many factors are popping up to indicate a very carefully orchestrated event.
njfworld
Hmm, not too sure about this opinion. If you are looking to make a plane into a bomb, much smarter to take an empty one and achieve the same purpose without all the hunt and the hooplah. Whoever planned this so meticulously definitely wanted either some or all of the people on the flight, or something on the flight. Because it would have been much easier to get an empty plane than a full one.
njfworld
Of course, if they are planning on arming the plane, having passengers alive from 14 countries would make it much more challenging to shoot down, so in that sense, that might be the reason for hijacking a plane full of people. The passengers definitely have more value alive rather than dead for anyone with nefarious plans.
cookk
Keith Cook 1
After Air France and now MH370, I have to wonder if a second ELT mounted externally with an explosive charge to separate isn't feasible? At least with ETOPS aircraft that routinely operate over long stretches of water.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
I appreciate thinking outside the box.

But it's safe to assume that explosive charges and commercial passenger airliners shouldn't mix.

It seems there may be low hanging fruit in making sure that all airlines maintain their existing ELTs in working condition, so that they're available and read to activate when necessary. Many airliners already have 2 ELTs, plus one each per life raft.
cookk
Keith Cook 1
Yes, but it would be nice to have something that "auto deploys" in the water and floats to the surface. After losing a couple in the ocean, I would be willing to bet there is a way to design a survivable, floating ELT.
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
I hate to mention dollars and (non)cents here, but would a cost-benefit analysis pencil out?
What it the problem that an autodeploying ELT address, and what is the frequency of such an occurrence?
cookk
Keith Cook 1
Yes, we always have to balance cost/benefit. But we could probably equip the world's fleet for the cost to date of the search alone. The airlines have stuck some pretty large antennas on these planes for satellite internet access, so why not a conforming ELT with a TINY charge to separate it when the G-force sensor trips?
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 2
A two word answer: hard landings

ELTs have had a fairly high false positive percentage. They rarely go off for an actual emergency as they are so few. So it is more likely that an ELT activating and sending it's lat long data happens frequently without an actual emergency.

So add explosives to that, and you've got a mess.

Imagine being a pasenger on that. First you get a beating from a hard landing, then another boom from an explosive charge, sending a perfectly good ELT to smash down on the runway. That's just so wrong on so many levels, least of which that you've just panicked all those passengers by setting off an explosive charge on the plane in which they are riding.

1. You will have constant ELT loss from these explosions. If the explosive charge doesn't get them, the smash onto the runway may. Even if they transmit their signal, reuse likely would not be possible. So they'd have to be replaced (if they get replaced).

2. Secondly you may have a loss of a major airliner ($250M+), maybe permanently. But even if the loss of the airliner is only temporary, and it eventually returns to service, you've now returned many, many airliners that have undergone structural stress from explosive charges to revenue service.

3. So it wouldn't be unthinkable to lose an airliner in service full of passengers due principally to the damage caused by the 'solution'.

4. Explosion on the runway. A hard landing resulting in an explosion that scatters debris on the runway will cause at least that runway to close for an extended period until it gets cleaned up, disrupting airport operations.

5. Explosion at an airport. The entire airport operations will cease for a period of time until an explosion is investigated and cleared. Note the mess that happened at LAX just from a shooting in the terminal in which the gunman died within 6 minutes. The disruption went on or most of the day, and the effects of that disruption was felt for days.

6. We don't need explosives on planes. Terrorists may love for us to provide them an explosive charge for them to imagine ways to exploit. No need.

I'm sure there are many more reasons why explosive charges and expensive airliners carring live human beings between busy airports with tights schedules is a very, very bad idea. These are just the highlights. This would only encourage airlines to exacerbate another very important reason:

7. ELTs will more frequently be disabled and left off to avoid these very, very negative and impactful consequences from lots of false positives. So the ELTs won't be ready and available when they're actually needed in an emergency at much higher rates.

----

The solution should encourage ELTs to be ready and available at higher rates. Creating lots of negative consequences to keeping ELTs functioning and in service works against this most important criterion.

I would suggest a $50,000 fine for a disabled ELT first offense. $500,000 second offense. $5,000,000 third offense. Take away airline operating certificate fourth offense. Virtually overnight every ELT would be operational, and ready in an emergency.
vauxhall
Ian Nicholson 1
I would have thought that the black box would have a back up battery to produce a signal for some considerable time
With modern technology today you can track where you lost you iphone or ipad very easy on computer ?
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
For Beleivers; Prayers are needed for the victims. I' m praying for a happy ending to this event. If this aircraft has been hijacked which I beleive; Then we may get the happy ending we all want. We live in a very wicked world. There are stories everyday showing us the despicable attitudes
of people in all walks of life. Couple that with evil world leaders whose God is money and power, and we see what transpires from this.
makeviciv
Ivan Makevic 1
An Aviation expert should know that automatic drop of the oxy masks occurs at 14000 ft . Yes there is a procedure for pilots to press PASS OXY SWITCH to on but only as confirmation in case automatic function fails. There is no OFF position for that switch on 777. You can not set target cabin altitude as pressurization sys follows the whatever altitude is set in ALT window for aircraft to climb, based on differential pressure. You can bypass automatic operation by manually opening/ closing outflow valves however that has nothing to do with automatic drop of the oxy musk sat 14000 ft cabin altitude. So to me this theory is pretty much paranoia rather than an expert point of view. Where is a common sense logic lost, in political pumping the whole of the World that evil is everywhere and it is a matter of time to happen? To me as a experienced pilot on B777 this case is very strange and leads my thinking towards catastrophic fire on board or say tail brake rather then anything else, but definitely not the hijacking. Years ago MI 185 B737 fall form 35000 ft and some evil minds concluded that it was a pilot suicide ( based on having a loan for the house???, kind of gambling habits ?..) and only 5 years latter we heard from Singapore Airlines Managers they finally suspected a tail disintegration as a possibility. In the mean time substantial repair on one of the tail components was done ??? In the mean time a good pilot and father of three kids reputation was "damaged beyond repair" . More often then not an old postulate in Aviation WAIT AND SEE is far more better than premature theories based on paranoia.
Wayne47
If MH370's disappearance was not an accident then their has to be individuals that know what has happened to it.

A substantial reward should be offered for information that leads to the location of the plane and pax. The reward should be made through an organization that is not affiliated with any government or law enforcement entity and the identity of the informant(s)needs to be protected from disclosure.

At this point there would seem to be little downside to offering a reward.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
Except telling the world's terrorists a new way to earn a living.
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
What is bothersome about this train of thought is that it would indicate taking things to a level beyond what we conventionally view as terrorism. It implies a new level of sophistication and international involvement that escalates to the level at which countries engage.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
What? You don't view hijacking a plane full of people as terrorism?
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
Not necessarily, unfortunately. AA into the twin towers, car bomb at Friday prayers it the other sect's Mosque, African Embassy, terrorism yes. Pearl Harbor, Operation Barbarossa, Dien Ben Phu, terrorism no. Terrorism is an attention getting act or aimed at changing the opponent's actions- in that respect, the TSA represents a Terrorist win. If the plane was indeed seized, and evidence for that is currently lacking, to be used to further a later terrorist act, then I would classify it as terrorism. If it is used for another operation on another, as yet undisclosed front in an undeclared war, no. I don't think casualty numbers define a terrorist act. Attributed to to J. Stalin was "one death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
So if the responsible parties don't seek celebrity, it's not terrorism, but if they do for the very same act, then it's terrorism? Wow.
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
This is getting away from the subject of aviation. If you want, we can take this offline via PMs in the discussions area. But the use of terror to make a point or further a goal is different from stealing a plane to further a longer-term more extensive or complex goal.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
Interesting distinction. What if the plane was stolen to commit a future terrorist action on a massive scale?
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
Still terrorism. The end justifies the meaning, so to speak.
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
Fernando
Amen Brother!!
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
Hey Walt...The plane disappeared 14 days ago...16 more days to hear a " Ping", keep listening.
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
Rick,
please use reply to keep your comments tied to the comment upon which you are commenting. It makes it easier to follow the conversation.
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
Call it 43 years of being in Sales, and promotions. I am no expert at this..Just smell a bunch of lies being fed to keep us Sheep in line.
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
Walt
Just another Idea to where this Aircraft and Passenger maybe Brother. Hope they find it with everyone alive. If you put your faith our Government would actually come out and tell us the exact truth of what happened with no evidence to back it up 100%; You are living in denial. Just be patient then see what develops...
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 1
Hey Rick. I believe half of what I read & none of what I hear...or the other way around. Don't see anything new on the media. Someone will make this into a movie or book or both.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
There are several books worth of brainstorming already shared in these discussions of MH370.

But I must quickly add that they'd all be fiction, of course. The basic elements of many a plane disaster book/ movie are present.
retf14rio
John Rogers 1
I hope we have national intelligence assets closely monitoring every runway with a hangar capable of housing a 777. Based on what I read what scares me is that MH370 made it to Iran or Pakistan. I can't find a good satellite photo of Ishafan to check the hangars there but at one point in the past the Iranian F-14s were headquartered there. A fully load 777-200 has the range to reach either of our coasts from there. Ishafan also used to be closely associated with Iranian nuclear research (might still be). With no electronic signature coming from the aircraft it is not inconceivable that the next time we see the aircraft is when it cross the DelMarVa penisnsula on its way to D.C.
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
Tim;
When they produce solid evidence the aircraft went into sea, and have hard evidence
of the remains of some of the passengers...I will man up and admit I was wrong.
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 1
Rick that's why we should let the SAR people do their job & report what they find & hope the facts & truth are reported to the public. Conjecture, theorizing, jumping to conclusions etc etc does no one any good. As I said before it will be interesting to match the percentage of theories against the facts of what really happened. We can purport a theory based on facts but we must be careful to respect people who are directly affected by the event...ie...families & friends. A lot of people have postulated their theory & it seems like it is set in stone. How do people feel when a scenario is reported as fact & the relatives find out it is false.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
I respect what you say and deeply feel for all victims, both family, friends, and passengers. However, I'm not convinced any of them have the time nor the inclination to access FlightAware during this most difficult of times and then feel further pain because of the discussion going on here.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
Actually it's quite likely that some family and friends have had both the time and inclination to come across FlightAware (#1 aviation website globally, and #1 in USA) during this very trying time.

1. First many are very frustrated over the lack of info.

2. In addition, many family don't trust the information the Malaysians are sharing (and quote possibly don't trust the Chinese gov't either for many historical reasons).

3. Many of these family and friends are desperate for more information.

4. For those that read English, it is entirely plausible and even likely tbat they'd come across FlightAware in their search for information.

---
That said, people should not feel an overwhelming pressure to censor themselves and their honest thoughts, on the off chance that a family member might feel bad because of some speculation. If someone doesn't want to see these discussions, no one will force it upon them.

Now, the news channels are an entirely different situation altogether. If CNN or some other local Asian news channel in the local language, being shown in the room where family are waiting, constantly broadcasts theories, as well as facts that do not later prove to be true, within earshot or view of the family; they wouldn't have much choice in whether they hear and see the broadcast before them.
ricko1
Rick Beekman 1
When they finally admit where the 777 and Passengers are at look for America and other nations going in in a Clandestine Co Ordinated attack..it is going to happen..
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 1
Rick...how do you know that they know where the acft is @. Are you so sure they already know...what is the source of your info.
ualiah
Peter Crew 1
Good article,,,,but,,,,,,lets be realistic,,,sadly, its probably in the water…Where are the threats,,,where is the chatter that comes with most terrorist actions….The only valid terrorism seems to be in the Crimea and Ukraine,,,,and hows this for conspiracy,,,,could there be a connection???
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 1
Like Joe Friday on Dragnet used to say..."just the facts please, just the facts". Ideas can be thrown about, but you need the facts to give some direction to correct postulation of what occurred. Again whoever has the facts & knows specifically what happened to MH370...please raise your hand & stand up. Also you should call the different countries involved in the search to give them your evidence.
panmole
In the absence of wreckage or other traces of flight 370 I totally agree with the hijacking scenario and I think as the pilot said, our governments should be on high alert until flight 370 is located.
And I must add that my heart goes out to the relatives, god only knows what they going through!
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
Geesh - you peeps are giving me second thoughts about ever boarding a plane again.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
Of this talk about a rare incident makes you think twice about boarding a plane, then should should never again drive a car or be a passenger in a car. Also you shouldn't ever cross the street. Leaving the house might also be questionable. And with all the smog and pollutants being discharged around the world, you might as well stop breathing too. That might too risky.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 2
Just great! Now I'm a shut-in.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
... or you can just keep living life, despite the minor risks that exist in almost everything we do.
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
Most accidents happen within 25 miles of home.
jimcarroll
James Carroll 3
That is why I moved.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 2
I know, I know. It was just a small joke. Apparently a very very small joke.
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
You're not claiming exclusivity on the joke are you?
joelwiley
joel wiley 1
They said "cheer up, things could be worse".
They were right. I did, and they did.
/joke
clandel
This kind of speculation would require a plot that is unnecessarily complex. We all know (or at least should recognize) that if your weapon of mass destruction absolutely, positively must be delivered, there are many less complex ways to accomplish this.

Given the record of pilot suicide, this seems most likely to me. The general reluctance of most governmental authorities to admit to such acts on the part of the pilots of their national airlines (e.g. EgyptAir 990) closely fits with the behavior of the Malaysian government in this case.

Every year, many ships disappear on the ocean without a trace, even though we know roughly where they are when the disappear. The ocean is huge, and a small (relatively speaking) aircraft impacting the water at high velocity isn't going to leave much to find after this much time. If the aircraft were far enough southwest of Australia, any flotsam is going into the Southern Ocean, and isn't likely to be found.
paulpaton
Paul Paton 1
Cabin fire fits all the scenarios so far/... I cant remember where I heard this but most accidents where the pilots perish it is blamed mostly on pilot error. Where the pilots did not perish the blame was mostly placed on aircraft/external errors. How is that possible? Wait until the pilots talk- either in person or on the CVR to see...
skorki99
skorki99 1
Great article..
I would like to share my idea as to how terrorists might have made it on board.
Imagine the terrorists bribing the caterers or cleaners to join them as they perform
their normal duties. Once aboard, the well informed terrorists would gain access
to the E&E compartment and hide there until cruise. At which time the scenario
mentioned in this article would follow. Far fetched, maybe, but it would solve the
fact that the passenger list did not ring any bells. We have to think outside the box
when dealing with terrorists, and I believe this idea is outside that box...
PhotoFinish
PhotoFinish 1
Nothing so complicated is necessary.

The hijackers can walk right on with all the other passeengrs. The Malaysians don't check for stolen passports, so hijackers can board with falsified credentials. They could've bribed a local official (somewhere, anywhere) to issue passports and/or civil documents necessary for obtaining falsified passports.

The hijackers could also board with their own credentials. When a passenger walks up to board the plane there isn't any hijacker alert that verifies whether any random pasenger is likely to desire to take control of that plane inflight.

The Malaysians weren't even checking for stolen passports, so you can forget about any complicated security checks for potential terrorists.

Bribing of airport staff or having an operative in place working at airport would serve getting ordinance or other hijacking equipment / bombs on the plane for use by the hijackin team, who oils easily walk right on.
pesci
Dennis Pettas 1
Vey scary to think about, but I feel is also a very real possibility. I hope the world is on very high alert, until the find evidence that this flight crashed. I'm am still devastated about 9/11, which no one ever thought possible. Hope this theory is incorrect, but the world must be concerned about this possible reality.
akayemm
Er.A.K. Mittal 1
The danger looms !
If that be so , do we assume that the B777 has landed some where, refuelling and preparing for next move ? A diabolical and sinister one !
Which by implication means that there is a huge sized conspiracy involving Governments, airports and all that ! ?
OR all this was a part of an experiment which in turn is apart of some serious and sinister plan ?
ccthorp
ccthorp 1
http://flightaware.com/squawks/view/1/24_hours/new/40914/Malaysian_Flight_370_May_Have_Landed_in_Pakistan
Wayne47
If is there is should be destroyed by a drone or cruise missile before it can be weaponized.
jimbilly51
Jim Horan 1
Years ago your article would have made a great fictional story. In today's world it is very scary that what you have written could very well become a reality. If this aircraft could escape radar detection for so long, terrorist will use this means to do it again. And it could very well be a means of an attack on our own country. I agree all nations must be on high alert for any unidentified aircraft approaching their airspace.
joelwiley
joel wiley 2
What may come out of this incident is a reappraisal of our blindspots in security threats to aircraft, intervention and protective strategies. Then again, maybe not. A few people did consider using aircraft as was done on 9/11, but were discounted for various reason.

In the early 1900's, the winner of the Nobel prize in physics lamented that all that was left for future physicists was to push the accuracy of universal constants another decimal point. Then they split the atom.
mirzamuftic
Mirza Muftic 1
but why would they hijack a commercial airliner rather than a cargo plane if they wanted to fill it up with explosives and blown smith up?
JETBLUE7470
DWAYNE TILLMAN 0
What goes up sometimes is forced down. Think about it. Wrong place at the Wrong time.
btweston
btweston 1
Could you be a little more vague, please?
preacher1
preacher1 1
Read his other post. Shades of TWA800
btweston
btweston 2
Oh. So the fuel tank exploded? Now that's oddly specific.

I can't wait until we actually get some... information :)
preacher1
preacher1 2
Don't you know that the fuel tank didn't explode until after the missle hit it. Where you been, man. LOL

[This poster has been suspended.]

preacher1
preacher1 4
I really don't think it would be North Korea. 1. Chinese are about the only friends they have left and with so many Chinese Nationals on board, crazy as they may be, I just don't think they would have went this far. 2. With all the security around the Korean peninsula, I just don't think they could have gotten that far with it undetected. Iran could be a possibility. The other thing is that I really don't think all has been told that is known.
tcmarks
Tim Marks 2
My money is on an African country like Somalia. They are into piracy and blackmail, since the freighters are now arming themselves and warships are shadowing the shipping lanes, they are looking for another way to fund their jihad. Good bet if this aircraft ended up there, all the passengers and crew are dead, and this aircraft will used against a target somewhere in North Africa or the Middle East.
preacher1
preacher1 2
I don't think the had the range to get there. I haven't checked it but isn't it outside the range. That's been the thought of several people.
THRUSTT
THRUSTT 1
Yeah those missles Phil
gjrockhound2000
KC Hoover 0
Right on the money.
btweston
btweston -2
It was obviously a government chemtrail/cloaking experiment paid for with Obamacare revenue. And it probably involved Benghazi. Wake up, sheeple!
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 2
Well that was one hell of a pivot.
Wayne47
Appreciate the article. Israel has went to a higher alert status for inbound flights but the US has not as last reported from Drudge which defies logic.

Several reports on this incident indicate many countries operate their radar systems with reduced capabilities at night. Until this plane is found that is a dangerous practice as this plane will likely be moving at night to avoid detection.

Other reports have indicated that the 777 diverted was not a full subscriber to Boeing's maintenance services which if they were would have been be reporting its GPS position periodically. Perhaps the FAA should restrict or require additional authentication of any 777 not subscribing to the full Boeing maintenance service that monitors GPS location until this aircraft is located. Given the time since it went missing the plane could already be in the US or nearby.
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 0
Lots of "IF'S" here. I wonder what the percentage of right "guesses" will be once the acft is located & the "facts" come out. Speculation & opinions are not "fact".
1rocky1
Walt Leuci 0
Well the article certainly has aroused a lot of "what if's" & speculation. I've heard everything from an "alien ship to terrorists" but no one has provided any concrete "evidence" but only conjecture, hypothesis & speculation. I think we should be on alert all the time & report anything suspicious. This past Wednesday I called Centennial tower & reported a Cessna acft moving @ high speed less than 500 above a densely populated area & over a school...making very rapid turns of at least 60 degrees heading south then to the east then back to the south in the direction of the airport. Sure looked like someone was trying to impress someone on the ground. The tower manager I spoke with took note, said he would check the radar & call me back which he did. As it turned out it was a pilot doing pipeline & or tower line inspections in the area & It was confirmed that the pilot was below 500'. Glad he didn't stall the acft. Next day we had an acft go in in the same area & one of the first reports was that it appeared the acft was doing acrobatics. The area the acft crashed was sparsely populated & it is not in the "practice areas" for pilots to practice maneuvers.
kw77
katty wompus 0
The G8 meeting in Genoa, Italy in July 2001 was held inside a "Red Zone" in the center of town. Fears of a terrorist attack using hijacked aircraft also led to an air exclusion zone around the city, as well as the stationing of anti-aircraft missiles. An earlier plot to fly a hijacked aircraft into the Eiffel Tower was foiled.

GW Bush stayed on a US warship offshore for his protection.

This idea that on 9/11 "We had NO IDEA" terrorists could hijack aircraft and crash them causing major damage is total BS and an outright lie, retold many times.

The Bush Administration utterly failed to keep America safe from terrorists. Then they crashed the economy.
joelwiley
joel wiley 2
Just like 'we had no idea' Japan would do something after we embargoed blockaded their oil shipments in September 1941. (the aviation tie-in is Midway)
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 1
And when other countries started sealing their cockpits from highjackers in the 60's we didn't. Damn Bush!
joelwiley
joel wiley 2
In retrospect, the country could have found more productive activities than impeaching slick willie over private activities between consenting adults. Tracking terrorists and terrorist groups for example.
WALLACE24
WALLACE24 1
Wasn't trying to be political as to one party or the other. Just pointing out that if you rely on the government to be proactive in protecting your security you just might get fooled. For example they haven't enforced the law and protected the borders since Ike. Just saying.
aggarwalaanil
Anil Aggarwala -2
I am an Engineer Astrologer and Practising Astrology for about 8-10 yrs and have done Jyotish Acharaya from BVB the worlds best institute in new delhi india. I have written an article Fate of Malaysian Plane MH 370 link http://www.mundaneastro.org/?p=4181 if some information on this article can help the ASirlines find the Plane , i would think i have done some thing good for ther Humanity Tahnks anil aggarwala
timfountain
Tim Fountain 1
Didn't understand any of the stuff you liked to, but where exactly did you say the plane was again?
joelwiley
joel wiley 0
Well, that is more coherent then a lot of other sites recently. And it appears much more thoroughly researched.
preacher1
preacher1 0
I am beginning to think an electrical fire or some type event that threw them into a turn for a diversion airport, which the turn did, and then it progressed, got the instruments and pilots, if not all on board and plane just kept flying until it ran out of Gas and crashed in the ocean. They basically lost a week keeping all search assets on the East side and currents, etc. Have sent any debris/wreckage elsewhere. It may never be found. I really have a hard time that if it was hijacked that somebody would have said something by now. If it is ever found, I guess we'll see.
joelwiley
joel wiley 2
As I said elsewhere, but it bears repeating, hope you're right.

[This comment has been downvoted. Show anyway.]

btweston
btweston 7
How come whenever we come across something we don't understand people come out of the woodwork convinced it is some sort of vile government plot? Then they get angry when no one believes them and rave about sheeple.

In the mean time, there is no evidence to suggest that a submarine (?) made this giant airplane disappear.

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