Articles | Timeline for MH370

Aug 04, 2015

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, disappeared on March 8, 2014, shortly after taking off from Kuala Lumpur en route to Beijing. The last voice communication from the cockpit occurred at 1:19 AM, and the aircraft lost contact with air traffic control shortly thereafter. It deviated from its planned flight path, turning west and then south over the Indian Ocean. Despite extensive search efforts, the main wreckage has never been found. Debris confirmed to be from the aircraft washed ashore on various islands and coastlines, leading to ongoing theories and investigations about the aircraft’s fate.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared from radar, leading to one of the most extensive and mysterious search operations in aviation history. The timeline of events surrounding the disappearance is crucial to understanding the complexities of this case. Below is a detailed timeline outlining key moments related to "MH370", including the search efforts and significant findings.

Timeline of Events

Date	Event
March 8, 2014	"Flight MH370" takes off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 12:41 AM local time, heading to Beijing with 239 passengers and crew on board.
1:07 AM	The last communication with the flight occurs when the co-pilot, Fariq Abdul Hamid, responds to air traffic control with "Good night, Malaysian three seven zero."
1:21 AM	The flight's transponder is switched off, and the plane deviates from its planned flight path. The aircraft turns west, heading over the Andaman Sea.
1:30 AM	Military radar detects "MH370" as it flies over the Straits of Malacca.
2:15 AM	The last known position of "MH370" is recorded, approximately 200 miles northwest of the coast of Penang, Malaysia.
March 8, 2014	Search and rescue operations begin, covering the area around the last known location of the aircraft.
March 9, 2014	Search efforts expand to the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, with multiple countries joining the operation.
March 15, 2014	International search efforts continue, focusing on a vast area of the Indian Ocean, based on satellite data indicating potential flight paths.
March 24, 2014	Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announces that "MH370" is believed to have ended its flight in the southern Indian Ocean, based on satellite analysis.
April 2014	Search operations focus on a 60,000 square kilometer area in the southern Indian Ocean, with no wreckage found.
August 2015	A piece of debris, later confirmed to be from "MH370", is found on Réunion Island, sparking renewed interest in the search location.
July 2016	Another piece of debris, identified as part of the wing flaperon, is found on the coast of Mozambique.
January 2018	The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) announces the end of the search for "MH370", having covered over 120,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean.
July 2020	New analysis suggests that the plane may have ended up in a different area than previously thought, prompting discussions about resuming the search.
March 2021	New theories and investigations continue to emerge, with a focus on the "MH370" disappearance, and potential new search initiatives are discussed.

The search for "MH370" has raised numerous questions and theories regarding the fate of the flight. Despite the extensive search efforts, only a handful of debris pieces have been confirmed to belong to the aircraft, leaving families and experts seeking answers. The mystery surrounding "MH370" has led to advancements in aviation safety and protocols, highlighting the need for improved tracking technology for commercial flights.

Impact on Aviation Safety

The disappearance of "MH370" has had profound implications for aviation safety and regulations. As a result of this incident, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has mandated that all commercial aircraft be equipped with improved tracking systems to ensure they can be monitored continuously during their flights. This includes satellite communications and real-time data sharing to enhance the safety and accountability of air travel.

In addition, the case has sparked discussions on the importance of having better emergency preparedness protocols and communication systems in place for both crews and passengers. The aviation industry has also explored enhanced training for pilots and crew members to handle in-flight emergencies more effectively.

Conclusion

The timeline of "MH370" highlights the mystery and complexity surrounding one of aviation's greatest enigmas. As new information and technological advancements emerge, the hope remains that more answers will be found regarding the fate of the flight and its passengers. While the search for "MH370" officially ended, the quest for truth continues, with ongoing discussions about potential new searches and advancements in aviation safety inspired by this tragic event.