In a tragic incident in March 2022, a China Eastern Airlines jet crashed into a mountain, resulting in the loss of all 132 lives on board. Recent findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have shed light on the circumstances surrounding this catastrophic event, suggesting that both engines were shut off and a struggle occurred in the cockpit before the crash.
Details from the Flight Data Recorder
The NTSB’s report, released on May 1, provides crucial insights based on the Boeing 737-800’s flight data recorder. The NTSB became involved in the investigation due to the American origins of the aircraft and its engines, as U.S. investigators are known for their expertise in analyzing flight data after accidents.
According to the report, the fuel supply to both engines was cut off, and the plane entered a nosedive followed by a 360-degree roll. Although this data indicates potential crew involvement, it does not definitively explain what transpired, as the Civil Aviation Administration of China has yet to release its final report four years post-accident.
The Implications of Fuel Cut-off
Aviation safety experts believe that the fuel cut-off was likely intentional. John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, explained that the design of the fuel levers in the 737 makes accidental shutdown highly unlikely. The levers lock into place, suggesting someone purposefully moved them to the cutoff position.
While the flight data recorder ceased functioning at 26,000 feet due to power loss, the previous 12 minutes of data indicate a struggle in the cockpit. The cockpit voice recorder, which has a battery backup, could provide further clarity, but the NTSB has not released a transcript of its findings.
Possible Pilot Struggle
Jeff Guzzetti, a former NTSB investigator, noted that the flight data implies a struggle in the cockpit, with the possibility of pilot suicide. He compared it to previous incidents, such as the Germanwings flight that crashed in 2015. The flight data showed erratic control movements, indicating a struggle rather than a smooth maneuver.
Addressing Pilots’ Mental Health
This incident raises important questions about pilots’ mental health. Many pilots hesitate to seek help for mental health issues due to fears of losing their medical certification and being grounded, which can lead to a lengthy recertification process. Some countries even restrict the use of common psychiatric medications for pilots, further complicating the issue.
Overview of the Crash
The China Eastern Airlines jet was en route from Kunming to Guangzhou when it suddenly nosedived from an altitude of about 29,000 feet. Despite appearing to recover briefly, the aircraft ultimately crashed into a mountain, creating a 65-foot crater and igniting a fire in the surrounding forest. The crew had not reported any issues before losing contact with air traffic control.
Chinese investigators found no abnormalities with the aircraft or the crew, which adds to the mystery surrounding the crash. Cox reiterated that the NTSB’s report does not indicate any mechanical failures with the plane itself.
The March 21, 2022, crash marked a rare setback for the Chinese airline industry, which has made significant safety improvements since the 1990s, and China Eastern is one of the country’s major state-owned airlines.
