08 March 2024 , 10:00
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In 2018, a group of aviation experts blasted the official report into the disappearance of flight MH370, saying it was flawed and Malaysia didn't try to get close to the truth.
The experts spoke out eight years ago and uncovered eight key areas where more action or information was needed from the country's government.
The Malaysia Airlines flight vanished with almost 240 passengers and crew ten years ago today as it flew from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing in March 2014.
It remains one of aviation's biggest mysteries, with few pieces of debris found and the exact reason it went off course still unknown.
Last week the Malaysian government said it would fund a new search if there was compelling evidence.
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Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne the PM revealed: “We have taken the position that if there is a compelling case, evidence that it needs to be re-opened, we’re certainly happy to reopen.
“Whatever needs to be done must be done.”
Part of MH370's wing flap was found on the coast of Tanzania (Getty)In their official report, Malaysian officials concluded that they were unable to determine the "real cause" of the Boeing 777-200's disappearance.
British aviation expert Don Thompson and fellow specialist Mike Exner, from the US, previously accused Malaysia of failing to faithfully and diligently pursue the investigation.
They claim the probe “was heavily politically influenced, and delayed”, and have called on the country's leaders to reveal more about what they haven't told the public.
In an interview with the West Australian, the pair, from the Independent Group (IG) of experts, explained eight areas where Malaysia needs to do more or reveal more information.
1. New radar data analysis
Mr Thompson and Mr Exner say the most important step would be a new analysis of radar data for the missing plane.
They said: “The Safety Investigation Team has failed to provide any useful analysis of data from the military radar.
“It is important to establish if, when and where descents/climbs did occur and what impact that would have on fuel endurance and other implications.
“Of course, there are the somewhat incredible statements about Indonesian and Royal Thai Air Defence Surveillance radar assets not detecting the Boeing 777 in the northern Straits of Malacca.”
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2. Complete analysis of debris
The experts called for a complete “structural analysis of the most significant debris items” that have been found in the sea or on islands in the Indian Ocean.
Underwater searches ended with no traces of the plane.
But debris that has washed up includes a flap and flaperon from one of the aircraft's wings.
The experts want a closer look to be taken at the damage to the parts.
3. Recovery of all debris found so far
Part number information on a large piece of debris found in Tanzania (Getty)The debris that has been found so far in Indian Ocean territories hasn't been collected and stored in one place.
Madagascar has a piece of the engine in its possession, while other parts were found on the French island of Reunion and the coast of Tanzania, for example.
The experts say the debris should be taken to one place so it can be examined all at once for further clues.
4. Comprehensive oceanographic analysis
This would take a look at the drift modelling for each of the debris items before they were found.
Mr Thompson and Mr Exner believe there is plenty more work to be done in this area.
The exact location where the plane entered the ocean is still not clear.
5. Review of what happened at MAS HQ
The immediate response of state-owned Malaysia Airlines and the government remained been under intense scrutiny in the years following the disappearance.
Mr Thompson and Mr Exner say there should be an investigation into what happened inside the airline's operational dispatch centre.
The review should look at why the flight operations officer/flight dispatcher was so misinformed for such a period of time, they said.
6. Analysis of air audio recordings
Air traffic control ground-air recordings usually offer many clues or explanations in an aviation disaster.
The experts have called for a categorical attributing of the ATC ground-air recordings involving MH370.
They want the voices in the recordings to be identified as there is still some contention over the crew member speaking during radio transmissions.
7. Review of aircraft engineer's role
Captain Zaharie Shah had a long telephone conversation with aircraft engineer Zulhaimi bin Wahidin a month before the disappearance.
The experts want to confirm the engineer's role and technical area of expertise.
They also want to know what the pair discussed on the phone, and who made three attempts to contact the pilot on the morning the plane vanished.
8. Deeper probe into pilot's background
Mr Thompson and Mr Exner say their group of experts doesn't buy into the "innocence" of the flight captain.
There are several theories around his actions on the day of the plane's disappearance.
Malaysian investigators don't believe it "could have been an event committed by the pilot”.
The official report suggested unlawful interference by a third party may have been involved.
Last week the Malaysian government said it would fund a new search if there was compelling evidence. Speaking at a press conference in Melbourne the PM revealed: “We have taken the position that if there is a compelling case, evidence that it needs to be re-opened, we’re certainly happy to reopen.
“Whatever needs to be done must be done.”
On Sunday, Malaysia’s transport minister Anthony Loke said he was also in talks with marine robotics company Ocean Infinity.
He said: ” We are waiting for Ocean Infinity to provide suitable dates, and I will meet them anytime that they are ready to come to Malaysia.”
The company’s CEO, Oliver Plunkett, later confirmed it wanted to continue its hunt for the missing jet after a failed attempt in 2018.
In a statement, Oliver said: “We remain interested in returning to the search for MH370 and are actively engaged in trying to make this happen.
“We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for missing aircraft MH370 and have submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government.
“We hope to get back to the search soon.”