The Aftermath of MH370: Salvage Operations, Evidence Collection, and Future Prevention

Introduction

The disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 in 2014 was one of the most mysterious and tragic aviation disasters in modern history. Despite the extensive search efforts, nothing definitive was found for several years. Eventually, debris was discovered in the Indian Ocean, confirming the aircraft was indeed destroyed upon impact. In this article, we will explore the steps that would have been taken, and still could, if MH370 was found, focusing on the search for survivors, salvaging critical parts, and the collection of evidence for prevention of future disasters.

Looking for Survivors

The first priority in any aviation disaster is to locate any survivors. Immediate rescue operations would be initiated using search aircraft and boats to scan the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. Local governments and international organizations would collaborate to coordinate a timely and efficient search and rescue operation. Unfortunately, with the passage of time and the distance involved, the chances of finding survivors are exceedingly rare.

Recovering the Victims

In the event of any survivors being rescued, the next step would focus on the recovery of the bodies of those who did not make it. This would involve the cooperation of local authorities, mortuary services, and international experts. Proper identification and documentation of the deceased would be crucial for families and for the establishment of a comprehensive understanding of the disaster.

Locating the Black Boxes

The black boxes, also known as the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, are critical in determining the cause of the crash. These devices, despite their name, are actually bright orange for easier visibility. The search for the black boxes would involve advanced sonar equipment and sophisticated search and recovery vessels that can operate at significant depths.

Given the average depth of the Indian Ocean as reported, divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) would be used to locate and retrieve the black boxes. According to Wikipedia, the average depth of the Indian Ocean is 3890 meters, and the deepest point is Diamantina Deep in the Diamantina Trench at 8047 meters.

Salvaging Critical Parts

Once the black boxes are retrieved, efforts would shift to salvaging other critical parts of the aircraft that could yield valuable evidence. This includes any electronic boxes and parts related to the aircraft's electrical system, avionics, and helicopters. These components must be examined by forensic and aviation experts to determine the cause of the crash.

For example, if there was a severe electrical failure, the equipment from the Multi-Electronic Controller (MEC) and other related electrical systems would need to be acquired and brought to specialists for examination. The analysis of these parts could provide insights into the technical and operational aspects of the flight.

Establishing the Cause and Preventing Future Disasters

After the black boxes and other critical components are recovered and analyzed, the next step would be to establish the cause of the crash. This process involves a detailed investigation by the relevant aviation authorities and independent experts. The findings would be used to make necessary improvements and develop safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

It is important to note that the exact location and condition of MH370 are still unknown, and while parts of the aircraft could have drifted down to the ocean floor, the retrieval and analysis of these parts would be crucial for understanding the event.

Conclusion

The search for MH370 and its eventual recovery, if possible, would involve a multifaceted approach, encompassing the search for survivors, the retrieval of black boxes and critical parts, and a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster. These efforts not only seek to bring closure to the families and loved ones of those affected but also to prevent such tragedies in the future.