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Was the Pilot of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Responsible for the Malfunction? New Insights into the Incident
Was the Pilot of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 Responsible for the Malfunction? New Insights into the Incident
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, an aircraft that disappeared over the Indian Ocean on March 8, 2014, has been a subject of intense investigation and speculation. Theories range from hijacking to pilot suicide, with varying levels of evidentiary support. This article delves into recent findings that suggest a more complex puzzle involving aircraft systems and electrical failures.
The Role of the Electrical System
The electrical system on a Boeing 777 aircraft, particularly the Left AC generator and the Satellite Data Unit (SDU), plays a crucial role in understanding the flight's outcome. The investigation has revealed that the specific failure of the Left AC generator could have led to a significant breakdown of the aircraft's navigation and communication systems. Here's how:
Electrical System Analysis
The failure of the Left AC generator could have caused the satellite contact with MH370 to be reset. The SDU, which is powered from the Left AC bus, is the unit that provides the ADS-B signal. When the SDU reconnected to the Left AC bus at 18:25 UTC, it implied a momentary restoration of power to the SDU, allowing for the satellite acknowledgment.
IMS and Electrical Power Distribution
Three key components, the AIMS (Airplane Information Management System) cabinets, TRUs (Transformer Rectifier Units), and ELMS (Electrical Load Management System), all depend on the Left AC bus for power. This means that without electrical power, the navigation systems would be inoperable, making it impossible for a pilot or autopilot to run precise routes. The recalibration and re-routing claims by Malaysian authorities are thus questionable.
Radar Evidence and Speculation
Radar sightings have been pivotal in the investigation. However, recent findings indicate that these might be unreliable. Simon Gunson, in his article, What actually happened to the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH 370, suggests that the radar images and sightings might be fabricated. He points out that the course changes and the altitude profile claimed for MH370 are highly improbable, given the aircraft's performance limitations.
Scientific Speculation and Theory
With this new information, the theory that the pilot deliberately caused a depressurization and suicide becomes less convincing. The electrical failure of the Left AC generator would have rendered the navigation systems inoperable, making any precise flight path nearly impossible to maintain. Furthermore, the altitude profile claims, such as a climb to 58,200 feet at 3,583 feet per minute, are scientifically implausible for a Boeing 777. This suggests that the pilot was likely not responsible for the malfunction.
Captain Zaharie Amad Shah, identified as the pilot, is being unjustly portrayed as a potential perpetrator based on speculative evidence. It is more plausible that the incident resulted from a technical malfunction, possibly related to the Left AC generator and interconnected systems.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial to focus on technological and scientific evidence rather than speculative theories. The involvement of experts in electrical engineering and aircraft systems can provide more accurate insights into the incident.
Conclusion
The evidence clearly points to a technical malfunction, likely centered around the electrical systems, rather than pilot intervention. The inconsistencies in radar sightings and the scientific implausibility of the altitude profile further support this conclusion. Any allegations of pilot suicide or misconduct should be re-evaluated in the context of these new findings.