MH370: Chronology of major events

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished from radar screens, triggering one of the most extensive search operations in aviation history. The disappearance of the Boeing 777 has left many questions unanswered. Here, we present a detailed chronology of major events related to the flight's disappearance, offering insights for those interested in the mystery of MH370.

Chronology of Major Events

Understanding the timeline of events can provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding MH370's disappearance. Below is a table outlining key occurrences related to the flight:

Date	Event
March 8, 2014	Flight MH370 takes off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:41 AM local time.
1:07 AM	The last communication from the cockpit occurs: "Good night, Malaysian three-seven-zero."
1:21 AM	The aircraft disappears from air traffic control screens.
8:00 AM	Malaysia Airlines reports the plane missing after failing to arrive in Beijing.
March 9, 2014	Search efforts begin, focusing on the South China Sea.
March 15, 2014	Search area shifts to the Indian Ocean after satellite data suggests a different flight path.
March 24, 2014	Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announces that the flight ended in the southern Indian Ocean.
April 2014	Search operations expand to a vast area of the Indian Ocean, with over 26 countries involved.
July 29, 2015	A piece of debris, a flaperon, is found on Réunion Island, confirming the plane's crash in the Indian Ocean.
October 2017	The search for MH370 is officially suspended after an extensive underwater search yields no results.
January 2018	Ocean Infinity, a private company, begins a new search effort under a "no find, no fee" agreement.
April 2018	Ocean Infinity's search ends without discovering further wreckage.

This timeline illustrates how the search for MH370 expanded from initial efforts in the South China Sea to an extensive, international operation in the Indian Ocean. The search involved numerous countries and organizations, highlighting the global interest in the mystery of this flight.

Key Theories and Developments

As the search for MH370 progressed, several theories emerged regarding the cause of the disappearance. Some of the most discussed theories include:

• Hijacking: Some experts believe that the aircraft may have been hijacked, as indicated by the unusual flight path taken after its last communication.
• Pilot Involvement: Investigators considered the possibility that the pilot or co-pilot may have intentionally diverted the aircraft.
• Mechanical Failure: Another theory suggests that a catastrophic mechanical failure could have led to the plane's disappearance.

Despite these theories, no definitive evidence has been found to support any single explanation. The lack of recovered wreckage has only fueled speculation and conspiracy theories. The mystery remains one of the most perplexing in modern aviation history.

Impact on Aviation Safety

The disappearance of MH370 has had significant implications for aviation safety and protocols. Following the incident, several measures have been implemented to enhance flight tracking and communication:

• Global Tracking Systems: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended implementing global flight tracking systems to monitor aircraft in real time.
• Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs): Improvements have been made to ELTs to ensure they activate automatically and transmit signals for longer periods.
• Increased Communication Protocols: Airlines have updated protocols for cockpit communication and emergency procedures.

These changes aim to prevent similar incidents in the future and enhance overall safety in the aviation industry.

Conclusion

The saga of MH370 remains unresolved, with many questions still lingering. The chronology of events highlights the complexity and challenges associated with the search for the missing flight. The ongoing interest in MH370 serves as a reminder of the need for continuous improvement in aviation safety and emergency response protocols. As new technologies emerge, there is hope that further advancements will provide answers and ensure the safety of passengers around the globe.