Thursday, May 1, 2014

MH370 report: Mixed messages ate up time before official search initiated - CNN





  • Reassuring messages from airline were "unhelpful," aviation correspondent says

  • While the plane was missing, time ticked away

  • Report shows a 4-hour gap from when the plane left radar to when the official search began

  • The plane probably had enough fuel to last through that gap and for another 2½ hours




(CNN) -- Confusion, misleading information and then long periods of nothing marked the first hours of what's now known as the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.


It took air traffic controllers more than four hours after the last conversation with the cockpit to activate rescuers to look for the missing plane, which left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on March 8 with 239 people on board.


Some delays in communication with an airliner over the ocean are normal, says CNN aviation correspondent Richard Quest.


But time was of the essence, and eventually, a lot was lost.


The plane probably ran out of fuel about 7½ hours into the flight, a Malaysia Airlines official has said. That means MH370 might have been flying during that four-hour gap.





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Can technology spot a plane deep underwater?

If so, it seems the Boeing jet only had 2½ hours of fuel left when rescuers first began searching for it.


'Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero'


The flight radioed its last words to the Kuala Lumpur Air Traffic Control Centre at 1:19 a.m. local time, according to an attachment to a preliminary report by Malaysia's Transportation Ministry. The report was released to the public Thursday.


The report itself is scant. Just five pages in length, it contains only a small fraction of the content of similar preliminary reports from past air disasters.


But combined with the air traffic transcript also released to the public, it gives a picture how the first hours progressed after MH 370 signed off.


Controllers told the airliner to check in with their counterparts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. "Good night, Malaysian Three Seven Zero," someone in the cockpit answered.


That check-in never happened, but something else did. The plane dropped off radar, and the clock ticked.


"Control of the aircraft had left Malaysia to Vietnam. Even so, for 17 minutes, neither Kuala Lumpur nor Ho Chi Minh noticed nor acted," Quest said.


Then at 1:38 a.m., Ho Chi Minh contacted Kuala Lumpur to let the controllers know that it had not heard a word from the plane. "Verbal contact was not established," the transcript said.


The two control centers began a conversation about communications attempts with Flight 370 and previous radar blips along its path.


They spoke every few minutes.


Reassuring messages cost precious time


Then two messages came from Malaysia Airlines that may have taken more precious time.


At 2:03 a.m. came the first seemingly reassuring message from the airline. The plane was in Cambodian airspace, the airline told Kuala Lumpur air traffic control.


The Malaysians passed the message on to Vietnamese controllers. They then tried to confirm Malaysia Airlines' news with Cambodian air traffic controllers.


The airline later confirmed its reassuring message. It had been able to "exchange signals with the flight," which was in Cambodian airspace, the transcript read.


But an hour after Flight 370 signed off, Vietnamese air controllers poked holes in Malaysia Airlines' message. The flight had not been scheduled to fly over Cambodia, and officials there had no information on the plane -- nor contact with it.





Company says it found remains of plane








Relatives of Chinese passengers who were on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 listen to part of the audio communications between Flight 370's cockpit and air traffic controllers during a meeting with Malaysian officials Wednesday, April 30, in Beijing. The flight has been missing since March 8.Relatives of Chinese passengers who were on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 listen to part of the audio communications between Flight 370's cockpit and air traffic controllers during a meeting with Malaysian officials Wednesday, April 30, in Beijing. The flight has been missing since March 8.



An autonomous underwater vehicle is brought back aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield after a search mission for the flight Saturday, April 19, in the southern Indian Ocean.An autonomous underwater vehicle is brought back aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield after a search mission for the flight Saturday, April 19, in the southern Indian Ocean.



A Royal Malaysian Air Force plane takes off from an airbase near Perth, Australia, to help in the search on Thursday, April 17.A Royal Malaysian Air Force plane takes off from an airbase near Perth, Australia, to help in the search on Thursday, April 17.



Operators aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield move Bluefin-21, the U.S. Navy's autonomous underwater vehicle, into position to search for the jet on Monday, April 14.Operators aboard the Australian ship Ocean Shield move Bluefin-21, the U.S. Navy's autonomous underwater vehicle, into position to search for the jet on Monday, April 14.



A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks out of a window while searching for debris off the coast of western Australia on Sunday, April 13.A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks out of a window while searching for debris off the coast of western Australia on Sunday, April 13.



British Royal Navy sailors aboard the vessel HMS Echo take part in the search for the jet on April 13.British Royal Navy sailors aboard the vessel HMS Echo take part in the search for the jet on April 13.



Crew members aboard the Echo watch a smaller boat that's part of the British search effort on April 13.Crew members aboard the Echo watch a smaller boat that's part of the British search effort on April 13.



The Echo moves through the waters of the southern Indian Ocean.The Echo moves through the waters of the southern Indian Ocean.



A map provided Saturday, April 12, details efforts to find the missing jet.A map provided Saturday, April 12, details efforts to find the missing jet.



Chinese navy personnel head out on a boat to the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success on Wednesday, April 9.Chinese navy personnel head out on a boat to the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Success on Wednesday, April 9.



A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion, on a mission to drop sonar buoys to assist in the search, flies past the Australian vessel Ocean Shield on April 9.A Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion, on a mission to drop sonar buoys to assist in the search, flies past the Australian vessel Ocean Shield on April 9.



A relative of a missing passenger cries at a vigil in Beijing on Tuesday, April 8.A relative of a missing passenger cries at a vigil in Beijing on Tuesday, April 8.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force walks toward a plane that just arrived in Perth on April 8.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force walks toward a plane that just arrived in Perth on April 8.



Australian Defense Force divers scan the water for debris Monday, April 7, in the southern Indian Ocean.Australian Defense Force divers scan the water for debris Monday, April 7, in the southern Indian Ocean.



A towed pinger locator is readied to be deployed April 7 off the deck of the Australian vessel Ocean Shield.A towed pinger locator is readied to be deployed April 7 off the deck of the Australian vessel Ocean Shield.



Capt. Mark Matthews of the U.S. Navy talks to reporters in Perth about the search on April 7.Capt. Mark Matthews of the U.S. Navy talks to reporters in Perth about the search on April 7.



A member of the search operation points to a map outlining search areas during a news conference April 7 in Perth.A member of the search operation points to a map outlining search areas during a news conference April 7 in Perth.



A U.S. Navy airplane takes off from Perth to assist in the search on April 7.A U.S. Navy airplane takes off from Perth to assist in the search on April 7.



A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks at a flare in the Indian Ocean during search operations on Friday, April 4.A member of the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks at a flare in the Indian Ocean during search operations on Friday, April 4.



Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force monitor data April 4 on board an aircraft during search operations.Members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force monitor data April 4 on board an aircraft during search operations.



A relative of a Flight 370 passenger watches television in a Beijing hotel as he awaits new information about the missing plane on Thursday, April 3.A relative of a Flight 370 passenger watches television in a Beijing hotel as he awaits new information about the missing plane on Thursday, April 3.



Another relative of a Flight 370 passenger waits for updates in Beijing on Wednesday, April 2. Many families have criticized the Malaysian government's handling of information in the plane's disappearance.Another relative of a Flight 370 passenger waits for updates in Beijing on Wednesday, April 2. Many families have criticized the Malaysian government's handling of information in the plane's disappearance.



A member of the Japanese coast guard points to a flight position data screen while searching for debris from the missing jet on Tuesday, April 1.A member of the Japanese coast guard points to a flight position data screen while searching for debris from the missing jet on Tuesday, April 1.



Kojiro Tanaka, head of the Japanese coast guard search mission, explains the efforts en route to the search zone April 1.Kojiro Tanaka, head of the Japanese coast guard search mission, explains the efforts en route to the search zone April 1.



A woman prepares for an event in honor of those aboard Flight 370 on Sunday, March 30, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.A woman prepares for an event in honor of those aboard Flight 370 on Sunday, March 30, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.



An underwater search-surveying vehicle sits on the wharf in Perth, ready to be fitted to a ship to aid in the search for the jet.An underwater search-surveying vehicle sits on the wharf in Perth, ready to be fitted to a ship to aid in the search for the jet.



A girl in Kuala Lumpur writes a note during a ceremony for the missing passengers on March 30.A girl in Kuala Lumpur writes a note during a ceremony for the missing passengers on March 30.



A teary-eyed woman listens from the back as other relatives of Flight 370 passengers speak to reporters March 30 in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Dozens of anguished Chinese relatives demanded that Malaysia provide answers to the fate of those on board.A teary-eyed woman listens from the back as other relatives of Flight 370 passengers speak to reporters March 30 in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Dozens of anguished Chinese relatives demanded that Malaysia provide answers to the fate of those on board.



An object floating in the southern Indian Ocean is seen from a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft searching for the missing jet on Saturday, March 29. Ships participating in the search retrieved new debris Saturday, but no objects linked to the missing plane, according to Australian authorities. An object floating in the southern Indian Ocean is seen from a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft searching for the missing jet on Saturday, March 29. Ships participating in the search retrieved new debris Saturday, but no objects linked to the missing plane, according to Australian authorities.



A Royal New Zealand Air Force member launches a GPS marker buoy over the southern Indian Ocean on March 29.A Royal New Zealand Air Force member launches a GPS marker buoy over the southern Indian Ocean on March 29.



The sole representative for the families of Flight 370 passengers leaves a conference at a Beijing hotel on Friday, March 28, after other relatives left en masse to protest the Malaysian government's response to their questions.The sole representative for the families of Flight 370 passengers leaves a conference at a Beijing hotel on Friday, March 28, after other relatives left en masse to protest the Malaysian government's response to their questions.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force is silhouetted against the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the missing jet on Thursday, March 27.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force is silhouetted against the southern Indian Ocean during the search for the missing jet on Thursday, March 27.



Flight Lt. Jayson Nichols looks at a map aboard a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft during a search on March 27.Flight Lt. Jayson Nichols looks at a map aboard a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft during a search on March 27.



People in Kuala Lumpur light candles during a ceremony held for the missing flight's passengers on March 27.People in Kuala Lumpur light candles during a ceremony held for the missing flight's passengers on March 27.



Crew members of the Chinese icebreaking ship Xuelong scan the Indian Ocean during a search for the missing jet on Wednesday, March 26.Crew members of the Chinese icebreaking ship Xuelong scan the Indian Ocean during a search for the missing jet on Wednesday, March 26.



People work at a console at the British satellite company Inmarsat on Tuesday, March 25, in London.People work at a console at the British satellite company Inmarsat on Tuesday, March 25, in London.



The mother of a passenger who was on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 cries at her home in Medan, Indonesia, on March 25.The mother of a passenger who was on Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 cries at her home in Medan, Indonesia, on March 25.



Australian Defense Minister David Johnston speaks to the media March 25 about the search for the missing jet.Australian Defense Minister David Johnston speaks to the media March 25 about the search for the missing jet.



A family member of a missing passenger reacts after hearing the latest news March 25 in Kuala Lumpur.A family member of a missing passenger reacts after hearing the latest news March 25 in Kuala Lumpur.



Angry relatives of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 react in Beijing on Monday, March 24, after hearing that the plane went down over the southern Indian Ocean, according to analysis of satellite data.Angry relatives of those aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 react in Beijing on Monday, March 24, after hearing that the plane went down over the southern Indian Ocean, according to analysis of satellite data.



Grieving relatives of missing passengers leave a hotel in Beijing on March 24.Grieving relatives of missing passengers leave a hotel in Beijing on March 24.



Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, delivers a statement about the flight March 24 in Kuala Lumpur. Razak's announcement came after the airline sent a text message to relatives saying it "deeply regrets that we have to assume beyond any reasonable doubt that MH 370 has been lost and that none of those onboard survived."Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, delivers a statement about the flight March 24 in Kuala Lumpur. Razak's announcement came after the airline sent a text message to relatives saying it "deeply regrets that we have to assume beyond any reasonable doubt that MH 370 has been lost and that none of those onboard survived."



Relatives of the missing passengers hold a candlelight vigil in Beijing on March 24.Relatives of the missing passengers hold a candlelight vigil in Beijing on March 24.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks out an aircraft during a search for the missing jet March 24.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks out an aircraft during a search for the missing jet March 24.



A woman reads messages for missing passengers at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on March 24.A woman reads messages for missing passengers at a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur on March 24.



Flight Lt. Josh Williams of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the controls of an AP-3C Orion on Sunday, March 23, after searching the southern Indian Ocean.Flight Lt. Josh Williams of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the controls of an AP-3C Orion on Sunday, March 23, after searching the southern Indian Ocean.



Ground crew members wave to a Japanese Maritime Defense Force patrol plane as it leaves the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Malaysia, on Sunday, March 23. The plane was heading to Australia to join a search-and-rescue operation.Ground crew members wave to a Japanese Maritime Defense Force patrol plane as it leaves the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Subang, Malaysia, on Sunday, March 23. The plane was heading to Australia to join a search-and-rescue operation.



A passenger views a weather map in the departures terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 22.A passenger views a weather map in the departures terminal of Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 22.



A Chinese satellite captured this image, released on March 22, of a floating object in the Indian Ocean, according to China's State Administration of Science. It is a possible lead in the search for the missing plane. Surveillance planes are looking for two objects spotted by satellite imagery in remote, treacherous waters more than 1,400 miles from the west coast of Australia.A Chinese satellite captured this image, released on March 22, of a floating object in the Indian Ocean, according to China's State Administration of Science. It is a possible lead in the search for the missing plane. Surveillance planes are looking for two objects spotted by satellite imagery in remote, treacherous waters more than 1,400 miles from the west coast of Australia.



A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks down at the Norwegian merchant ship Hoegh St. Petersburg, which took part in search operations Friday, March 21.A member of the Royal Australian Air Force looks down at the Norwegian merchant ship Hoegh St. Petersburg, which took part in search operations Friday, March 21.



The Royal Australian Air Force's Neville Dawson, left, goes over the search area with Brittany Sharpe aboard an AP-3C Orion some 2,500 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) southwest of Perth, Australia, over the Indian Ocean on March 21.The Royal Australian Air Force's Neville Dawson, left, goes over the search area with Brittany Sharpe aboard an AP-3C Orion some 2,500 kilometers (about 1,500 miles) southwest of Perth, Australia, over the Indian Ocean on March 21.



Satellite imagery provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Thursday, March 20, shows debris in the southern Indian Ocean that could be from Flight 370. The announcement by Australian officials that they had spotted something raised hopes of a breakthrough in the frustrating search. Satellite imagery provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Thursday, March 20, shows debris in the southern Indian Ocean that could be from Flight 370. The announcement by Australian officials that they had spotted something raised hopes of a breakthrough in the frustrating search.



A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.



Another satellite shot provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority shows possible debris from the flight.Another satellite shot provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority shows possible debris from the flight.



A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris.A closer look at the satellite shot of possible debris.



The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's John Young speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia, on March 20 about satellite imagery.The Australian Maritime Safety Authority's John Young speaks to the media in Canberra, Australia, on March 20 about satellite imagery.



A distraught relative of a missing passenger breaks down while talking to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday, March 19.A distraught relative of a missing passenger breaks down while talking to reporters at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Wednesday, March 19.



A relative of missing passengers waits for a news briefing by officials in Beijing on Tuesday, March 18.A relative of missing passengers waits for a news briefing by officials in Beijing on Tuesday, March 18.



A relative of a missing passenger tells reporters in Beijing about a hunger strike to protest authorities' handling of information about the missing jet.A relative of a missing passenger tells reporters in Beijing about a hunger strike to protest authorities' handling of information about the missing jet.



A member of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency joins in a search for the missing plane in the Andaman Sea area around the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, March 17.A member of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency joins in a search for the missing plane in the Andaman Sea area around the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra on Monday, March 17.



Relatives of missing passengers watch a news program about the missing plane as they await information at a hotel ballroom in Beijing on March 17.Relatives of missing passengers watch a news program about the missing plane as they await information at a hotel ballroom in Beijing on March 17.



Malaysian Transportation Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, center, shows maps of the search area at a hotel next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 17. Malaysian Transportation Minister Hishamuddin Hussein, center, shows maps of the search area at a hotel next to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 17.



U.S. Navy crew members assist in search-and-rescue operations Sunday, March 16, in the Indian Ocean.U.S. Navy crew members assist in search-and-rescue operations Sunday, March 16, in the Indian Ocean.



Indonesian personnel watch over high seas during a search operation in the Andaman Sea on Saturday, March 15.Indonesian personnel watch over high seas during a search operation in the Andaman Sea on Saturday, March 15.



A foam plane, which has personalized messages for the missing flight's passengers, is seen at a viewing gallery March 15 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.A foam plane, which has personalized messages for the missing flight's passengers, is seen at a viewing gallery March 15 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



A member of the Malaysian navy makes a call as his ship approaches a Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea on March 15.A member of the Malaysian navy makes a call as his ship approaches a Chinese coast guard ship in the South China Sea on March 15.



A Indonesian ship heads to the Andaman Sea during a search operation near the tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, on March 15.A Indonesian ship heads to the Andaman Sea during a search operation near the tip of Sumatra, Indonesia, on March 15.



Elementary school students pray for the missing passengers during class in Medan, Indonesia, on March 15.Elementary school students pray for the missing passengers during class in Medan, Indonesia, on March 15.



Col. Vu Duc Long of the Vietnam air force fields reporters' questions at an air base in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, after a search operation on Friday, March 14.Col. Vu Duc Long of the Vietnam air force fields reporters' questions at an air base in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, after a search operation on Friday, March 14.



Members of the Chinese navy continue search operations on Thursday, March 13. The search area for Flight 370 has grown wider. After starting in the sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the plane's last confirmed location, efforts are expanding west into the Indian Ocean.Members of the Chinese navy continue search operations on Thursday, March 13. The search area for Flight 370 has grown wider. After starting in the sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the plane's last confirmed location, efforts are expanding west into the Indian Ocean.



A Vietnamese military official looks out an aircraft window during search operations March 13.A Vietnamese military official looks out an aircraft window during search operations March 13.



Malaysian air force members look for debris on March 13 near Kuala Lumpur.Malaysian air force members look for debris on March 13 near Kuala Lumpur.



A relative of a missing passenger watches TV at a Beijing hotel as she waits for the latest news March 13.A relative of a missing passenger watches TV at a Beijing hotel as she waits for the latest news March 13.



A member of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency scans the horizon in the Strait of Malacca on Wednesday, March 12.A member of the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency scans the horizon in the Strait of Malacca on Wednesday, March 12.



Relatives of missing passengers wait for the latest news at a hotel in Beijing on March 12.Relatives of missing passengers wait for the latest news at a hotel in Beijing on March 12.



Journalists raise their hands to ask questions during a news conference in Sepang on March 12.Journalists raise their hands to ask questions during a news conference in Sepang on March 12.



Indonesian air force officers in Medan, Indonesia, examine a map of the Strait of Malacca on March 12.Indonesian air force officers in Medan, Indonesia, examine a map of the Strait of Malacca on March 12.



A member of the Vietnamese air force checks a map while searching for the missing plane on Tuesday, March 11.A member of the Vietnamese air force checks a map while searching for the missing plane on Tuesday, March 11.



Iranians Pouri Nourmohammadi, second left, and Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza, far right, were identified by Interpol as the two men who used stolen passports to board the flight. But there's no evidence to suggest either was connected to any terrorist organizations, according to Malaysian investigators. Malaysian police believe Nourmohammadi was trying to emigrate to Germany using the stolen Austrian passport.Iranians Pouri Nourmohammadi, second left, and Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza, far right, were identified by Interpol as the two men who used stolen passports to board the flight. But there's no evidence to suggest either was connected to any terrorist organizations, according to Malaysian investigators. Malaysian police believe Nourmohammadi was trying to emigrate to Germany using the stolen Austrian passport.



An Indonesian navy crew member scans an area of the South China Sea bordering Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on Monday, March 10.An Indonesian navy crew member scans an area of the South China Sea bordering Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand on Monday, March 10.



Vietnam air force Col. Le Huu Hanh is reflected on the navigation control panel of a plane that is part of the search operation over the South China Sea on March 10.Vietnam air force Col. Le Huu Hanh is reflected on the navigation control panel of a plane that is part of the search operation over the South China Sea on March 10.



Relatives of the missing flight's passengers wait in a Beijing hotel room on March 10.Relatives of the missing flight's passengers wait in a Beijing hotel room on March 10.



A U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter lands aboard the USS Pinckney to change crews before returning to search for the missing plane Sunday, March 9, in the Gulf of Thailand.A U.S. Navy Seahawk helicopter lands aboard the USS Pinckney to change crews before returning to search for the missing plane Sunday, March 9, in the Gulf of Thailand.



Members of the Fo Guang Shan rescue team offer a special prayer March 9 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Members of the Fo Guang Shan rescue team offer a special prayer March 9 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



A handout picture provided by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency shows personnel checking a radar screen during search-and-rescue operations March 9.A handout picture provided by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency shows personnel checking a radar screen during search-and-rescue operations March 9.



Italian tourist Luigi Maraldi, who reported his passport stolen in August, shows his current passport during a news conference at a police station in Phuket island, Thailand, on March 9. Two passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight were reportedly traveling on stolen passports belonging to Maraldi and an Austrian citizen whose papers were stolen two years ago.Italian tourist Luigi Maraldi, who reported his passport stolen in August, shows his current passport during a news conference at a police station in Phuket island, Thailand, on March 9. Two passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight were reportedly traveling on stolen passports belonging to Maraldi and an Austrian citizen whose papers were stolen two years ago.



Hugh Dunleavy, commercial director of Malaysia Airlines, speaks to journalists March 9 at a Beijing hotel where relatives and friends of the missing flight's passengers are staying.Hugh Dunleavy, commercial director of Malaysia Airlines, speaks to journalists March 9 at a Beijing hotel where relatives and friends of the missing flight's passengers are staying.



Vietnamese air force crew stand in front of a plane at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9 before heading out to the area between Vietnam and Malaysia where the airliner vanished.Vietnamese air force crew stand in front of a plane at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9 before heading out to the area between Vietnam and Malaysia where the airliner vanished.



Buddhist monks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport offer a special prayer for the missing passengers on March 9.Buddhist monks at Kuala Lumpur International Airport offer a special prayer for the missing passengers on March 9.



The Chinese navy warship Jinggangshan prepares to leave Zhanjiang Port early on March 9 to assist in search-and-rescue operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. The Jinggangshan, an amphibious landing ship, is loaded with lifesaving equipment, underwater detection devices and supplies of oil, water and food.The Chinese navy warship Jinggangshan prepares to leave Zhanjiang Port early on March 9 to assist in search-and-rescue operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight. The Jinggangshan, an amphibious landing ship, is loaded with lifesaving equipment, underwater detection devices and supplies of oil, water and food.



Members of a Chinese emergency response team board a rescue vessel at the port of Sanya in China's Hainan province on March 9. The vessel is carrying 12 divers and will rendezvous with another rescue vessel on its way to the area where contact was lost with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.Members of a Chinese emergency response team board a rescue vessel at the port of Sanya in China's Hainan province on March 9. The vessel is carrying 12 divers and will rendezvous with another rescue vessel on its way to the area where contact was lost with Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.



The rescue vessel sets out from Sanya in the South China Sea.The rescue vessel sets out from Sanya in the South China Sea.



A family member of missing passengers is mobbed by journalists at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 8.A family member of missing passengers is mobbed by journalists at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday, March 8.



A Vietnamese air force plane found traces of oil that authorities had suspected to be from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the Vietnamese government online newspaper reported March 8. However, a sample from the slick showed it was bunker oil, typically used to power large cargo ships, Malaysia's state news agency, Bernama, reported on March 10.A Vietnamese air force plane found traces of oil that authorities had suspected to be from the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the Vietnamese government online newspaper reported March 8. However, a sample from the slick showed it was bunker oil, typically used to power large cargo ships, Malaysia's state news agency, Bernama, reported on March 10.



Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives to meet family members of missing passengers at the reception center at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8.Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, center, arrives to meet family members of missing passengers at the reception center at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 8.



Malaysia Airlines official Joshua Law Kok Hwa, center, speaks to reporters in Beijing on March 8.Malaysia Airlines official Joshua Law Kok Hwa, center, speaks to reporters in Beijing on March 8.



A relative of two missing passengers reacts at their home in Kuala Lumpur on March 8.A relative of two missing passengers reacts at their home in Kuala Lumpur on March 8.



Wang Yue, director of marketing of Malaysia Airlines in China, reads a company statement during a news conference at the Metro Park Lido Hotel in Beijing on March 8. Wang Yue, director of marketing of Malaysia Airlines in China, reads a company statement during a news conference at the Metro Park Lido Hotel in Beijing on March 8.



Chinese police at the Beijing airport stand beside the arrival board showing delayed Flight 370 in red on March 8.Chinese police at the Beijing airport stand beside the arrival board showing delayed Flight 370 in red on March 8.



A woman asks a staff member at the Beijing airport for more information on the missing flight.A woman asks a staff member at the Beijing airport for more information on the missing flight.



A Malaysian man who says he has relatives on board the missing plane talks to journalists at the Beijing airport on March 8.A Malaysian man who says he has relatives on board the missing plane talks to journalists at the Beijing airport on March 8.



Passengers walk past a Malaysia Airlines sign on March 8 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.Passengers walk past a Malaysia Airlines sign on March 8 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.



Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Ahmad Juahari Yahya, front, speaks during a news conference on March 8 at a hotel in Sepang. "We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts" with the jet, he said.Malaysia Airlines Group CEO Ahmad Juahari Yahya, front, speaks during a news conference on March 8 at a hotel in Sepang. "We deeply regret that we have lost all contacts" with the jet, he said.




The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370






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Photos: The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370Photos: The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370






Miles O'Brien slams GeoResonance claims




Could Flight 370 be in the Bay of Bengal?

Malaysian air traffic controllers kept in communication with the airline, which gave them yet another seemingly reassuring message at 2:35 a.m.


The airliner was "in normal condition based on signal download," which placed it off the coast of Vietnam.


The flight probably appeared to be on track to its destination of Beijing.


"We have two very unhelpful contributions from Malaysia Airlines -- one suggesting the plane is in Cambodia, the other saying everything's normal. Neither's true," Quest said.


Information 'not reliable for aircraft positioning'


If precious time had been lost by the trickle before, now it began to gush away.


Nearly an hour later, Malaysia Airlines qualified its previous information. Its new message: "The flight tracker information was based on flight projection and not reliable for aircraft positioning," the transcript read.


It was 3:30 a.m., but two more hours would pass before air traffic controllers notified rescuers.


In the meantime, controllers in Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City queried each other and the airline. Kuala Lumpur air traffic control contacted counterparts in Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing.


Then at 5:20 a.m., a Malaysian official pronounced, based on what was known, "MH370 never left Malaysian airspace."


Ten minutes later, Malaysian air traffic controllers alerted a rescue coordination center.


Where was the military?


The Malaysian Prime Minister has said the military tracked the plane as it headed back across Malaysia.


According to the report, a playback of a recording from military primary radar revealed that an aircraft that may have been Flight 370 had made a westerly turn, crossing Peninsular Malaysia. The search area was then extended to the Strait of Malacca.


But it's unclear when that happened. The report makes no mention of the military's role the night of the disappearance.


The report is anemic on details


Preliminary reports are by their nature brief and to the point, but they are usually much longer than Malaysia's. Such reports and accompanying documents should be an audit of what happened and factually who did what, Quest said.


"I can certainly understand that the authorities had more pressing matters in finding the plane than writing a long report, when there will be plenty of other chances to do so," Quest said, "but this report is the barest possible they could get away with."


The equivalent preliminary report on Air France Flight 447 was 128 pages long. That report, produced by France's aviation safety agency just one month after the plane went missing in 2009, offered specific details on communication between various air traffic control centers.


Flight 447 was found more than a year later in the Atlantic Ocean; all 228 people on board had died.


And a preliminary report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau into the Qantas engine explosion in 2010 ran more than 40 pages, including diagrams and charts.


The Malaysian report was accompanied by a cargo manifest, seating plan, air traffic control transcripts and three maps.


Read the MH370 report


Debate over transparency


The report released Thursday was the same one Malaysia submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization but had not been made public. Malaysian officials came under heavy criticism last week for submitting the report to the U.N. body but not making it available to relatives of passengers.


While authorities are not required to make a preliminary report public, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak acquiesced.


Reporters could not ask questions raised by the report since the document was released by e-mail and not at a news conference.


One safety recommendation


The report makes one safety recommendation: the need for real-time tracking.


Authorities noted that while commercial planes spend considerable time operating over remote areas, there is no requirement for real-time tracking of such aircraft.


"There have now been two occasions during the last five years when large commercial air transport aircraft have gone missing and their last position was not accurately known," the Malaysian report states. "This uncertainty resulted in significant difficulty in locating the aircraft in a timely manner."


CNN reported on this detail from the report last week.


The officials asked the International Civil Aviation Organization to examine the benefits of introducing a standard for real-time tracking of commercial planes.


It's the same recommendation that was made after the Air France Flight 447 disaster in 2009. But nothing seems to have happened after that report.


READ: Searchers dispute company's claim that it may have found aircraft wreckage


READ: Is GeoResonance on to something?


READ: MH370: Plane audio recording played in public for first time to Chinese families


CNN's Richard Quest and Ivan Watson contributed to this report.









Source: Top Stories - Google News - http://ift.tt/1lEJmRM

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