Summary
Highlights
Jean Luc, an MH370 investigator, explains that the plane disappeared from civilian radar right after the Igari checkpoint. He highlights a six-year gap in the pilot's medical records and numerous phone calls with a doctor before the flight. A mobile phone was connected briefly in Penang, suggesting someone had the phone in hand. It's announced that Malaysia will resume the search with Ocean Infinity, operating on a 'no find, no fee' basis. Ocean Infinity's ship is already sailing towards the probable search zone, with progress tracked online.
Jean Luc recalls the day of the disappearance, March 8, 2014, and how unexpected it was despite the aviation industry being aware of potential weaknesses in the air traffic management system. He explains that ATM systems, while safe, are not as technologically advanced as passenger systems. He discusses the 'Swiss cheese culture' in ATM, where multiple layers of safety prevent accidents. Following the MH370 incident, new mandates require all aircraft over 27 tons to carry systems that allow minute-by-minute tracking, especially in abnormal situations. He clarifies that 'disappeared' meant from civilian systems, as military radar had seen it, but there was no immediate cause for military concern.
The aircraft turned back, going unnoticed for hours while initial searches focused on the Northeast. The Igari checkpoint was a strategic location for the plane to go dark. This point is a delegated zone between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, at the limit of radar coverage, creating a 'hands tied' situation for ATC. The pilot's last message, 'Good night,' was to Malaysian ATC before supposedly contacting Vietnamese ATC, which never happened. This delay in communication (15 minutes between ATCs, 4 hours to declare emergency) allowed the plane to fly unnoticed into the Indian Ocean.
Jean Luc explains that the strategic timing and location of the disappearance support a premeditated act. He suggests a de-pressurization of the cabin, causing oxygen masks to deploy, which would incapacitate passengers and most crew due to hypoxia. The co-pilot, if operating on supplemental oxygen, might have been the only one lucid. The aircraft then descended, mimicking an emergency, and then climbed, reducing the probability of an accidental technical problem.
The co-pilot's mobile phone briefly connected with a terrestrial antenna in Penang, indicating the aircraft was low enough for a connection. This suggests the plane was flying at an altitude where a connection could be made, and that someone was conscious and holding the phone. The plane's electrical systems were likely turned off abruptly after the U-turn, then restarted, causing a 'first time' login to the satellite system. This sudden, complete shutdown suggests intentional action rather than a technical fault. The flight ID was manually erased, an intentional act requiring deep menu access, further supporting the theory of human intervention.
The scarcity of debris and bodies suggests a controlled ditching. Jean Luc compares it to the 'Sully' ditching, but notes the harsh conditions of the Indian Ocean swell. He hypothesizes the plane broke into two or three large pieces, explaining why so little debris, mostly external, was found. The debris found traveled long distances due to ocean currents, reaching as far as South Africa.
Jean Luc discusses Vincent L's theory of a specific crash site in the Broken Ridge, dismissing it as low probability due to its proximity to Australia (making search easier) and the lack of a clear motive for targeting that specific location. He affirms that black boxes are highly durable and can retain data even after years underwater. While cockpit voice recorders only capture the last 2.5 hours, flight data recorders cover the entire flight, providing crucial information. He expresses optimism that MH370 will be found in our lifetime, citing advancements in Ocean Infinity's search capabilities and other commercial interests in mapping the ocean floor. He touches upon the ethical dilemmas and mental health aspects among pilots, hinting at potential issues with the MH370 pilot's medical records and frequent doctor calls before the flight.