Articles | MH370: Timeline

Jan 19, 2018

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour into the flight. Initial searches focused on the South China Sea, but later analysis of satellite data suggested a trajectory toward the Indian Ocean. Extensive search efforts, spanning several years and covering vast areas of ocean, yielded only scattered debris. Despite international cooperation and advanced technology, the main wreckage and the majority of the passengers’ remains have never been found, leading to ongoing speculation and mystery surrounding the incident.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished from radar screens, leading to one of the most extensive and mysterious aviation searches in history. The timeline of events surrounding the disappearance of MH370 is filled with critical moments and discoveries that have shaped the ongoing investigation.

Timeline of Events

Below is a detailed timeline of the key events related to the disappearance of MH370:

Date	Event
March 8, 2014	Flight MH370 departs from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:41 AM local time.
1:19 AM	Last voice communication from the cockpit: “Good night, Malaysian three seven zero.”
1:21 AM	Flight MH370’s transponder is turned off, and the aircraft deviates from its planned flight path.
1:30 AM	The aircraft is detected by military radar over the Malacca Strait.
March 9, 2014	Search operations begin in the South China Sea after the flight is reported missing.
March 15, 2014	Search operations expand to the Indian Ocean after satellite data suggests a potential flight path.
July 29, 2015	A flaperon believed to be from MH370 is discovered on Réunion Island.
January 2016	Search area in the southern Indian Ocean is refined based on new satellite data.
July 2018	Search for MH370 is officially suspended by the Australian government.
June 2021	New search efforts are proposed based on analysis of ocean currents.

Key Discoveries and Theories

The investigation into the disappearance of MH370 has led to various theories and discoveries, which have fueled public interest and speculation. The following are some of the major points of interest:

Satellite Data: Inmarsat's satellite data played a crucial role in determining the flight's final path. The 'handshakes' between the aircraft and the satellite indicated that MH370 had turned south into the Indian Ocean.
Debris Findings: Several pieces of debris have been found along the coasts of Africa and the Indian Ocean, which have been confirmed to be from MH370. The discovery of the flaperon was particularly significant as it provided physical evidence of the aircraft's fate.
Possible Hijacking: Some theories suggest that the flight may have been hijacked, leading to its disappearance. However, no conclusive evidence supports this theory.
Pilot Involvement: Investigators have examined the possibility of the pilot's involvement in the disappearance, citing the flight's deviation from its planned route. However, no definitive proof has emerged.
Search Operations: The search for MH370 has been one of the largest in aviation history, covering vast areas of the Indian Ocean. As of now, the main search area remains largely unexplored.

Impact on Aviation Safety

The disappearance of MH370 has had a profound impact on aviation safety regulations and practices worldwide. Key changes include:

Flight Tracking: New requirements for real-time tracking of aircraft have been proposed, ensuring that flights can be monitored continuously, especially over remote areas.
Emergency Locator Beacons: Enhanced locator beacons that are activated upon water impact have been discussed to improve the chances of recovering lost aircraft.
Communication Systems: Improvements in aircraft communication systems have been emphasized, ensuring that pilots can maintain contact with air traffic control even in emergencies.

The Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive searches and investigations, the mystery of MH370 remains unresolved. The lack of comprehensive findings has led to numerous documentaries, books, and public interest in the case. Families of the passengers continue to seek answers, advocating for more efforts to uncover the truth behind one of aviation's greatest enigmas.

In conclusion, the disappearance of MH370 has generated a complex narrative filled with intrigue, speculation, and ongoing efforts to unravel the mystery. As investigations continue and technology advances, there remains hope that new discoveries may provide clarity on what happened to the flight and its passengers.