Malaysia Jet missing-Officials conclude crash in Indian ocean/all lives presumed lost

[T@T]

Originally Posted by jeffman

I thought there was a system to notify all embassies of stolen and lost passports in order to prevent terrorists and drug dealers from using them

CNN says Malaysian authorities apparently did not check the stolen passports to the international law enforcement agency database.

Big no no and an extremely stupid thing to do.

[La Flames Fan]

Originally Posted by HPLovecraft

I don't think many non-commercial, non-military aircraft fly at 35,000 feet, and if it was a collision with a commercial or military aircraft, or even some swanky business jet, it'd be almost immediately noticed, I would imagine, but I'm no aviation pro, so maybe.



I read an article about the capabilities of the 777-200, and there's backup power on the aircraft, so even if power was cut somehow, communications would still have been able to get out. Everything I read points to how bizarre it is that contact was lost all of the sudden. Even if the plane had some sort of electronic mishap, or the engines cut out, or anything, from 35,000 feet up, there'd be plenty of time to communicate with someone, according to the people that know what they're talking about.

Here it is. Interesting stuff: http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/07/travel...iner-analysis/

Isn't there also a small fan that can be deployed to generate at least the most minimal electrical power? I saw that somewhere, can't remember which aircraft type though.

[Yamer]

Originally Posted by Regorium

IF you're talking about AF447 (the one that disappeared in 2009), the issue was that they (the pilots) had no idea they were in a stall until about 35 seconds before impact. None of the pilots thought they were going to die, and everything seemed to be working in decent shape until it was too late.

They gently fell out of the sky over a 3 minute period with no thoughts as to their danger. That's why there wasn't any radio communication.

How can something like that even happen? At some point wouldn't they notice that at least something was failing?

[nfotiu]

Originally Posted by T@T

CNN says Malaysian authorities apparently did not check the stolen passports to the international law enforcement agency database.

Big no no and an extremely stupid thing to do.

How does that usually work in North America? I know customs typically scans your computer into the system, but that is after you land. TSA looks at it with black lights to try to make sure its not fake, but they don't scan into the computer. It seems that airlines here are somewhat inconsistent, and will sometimes scan into something, but often they just look at them and give them back. Domestic flights would have no passport screening. Unless I am missing something, seems like they would normally miss something like that around here too.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

How does that usually work in North America? I know customs typically scans your computer into the system, but that is after you land. TSA looks at it with black lights to try to make sure its not fake, but they don't scan into the computer. It seems that airlines here are somewhat inconsistent, and will sometimes scan into something, but often they just look at them and give them back. Domestic flights would have no passport screening. Unless I am missing something, seems like they would normally miss something like that around here too.

I believe any international flight your passport is supposed to be scanned, I thought that was a world wide rule?..maybe I'm wrong but I shouldn't be.

[KelVarnsen]

Originally Posted by Yamer

How can something like that even happen? At some point wouldn't they notice that at least something was failing?

It was at night, so no visible clues from outside the aircraft.

[Mango]

Malaysian transport minister: Officials investigating identities of 4 passengers on missing flight; FBI joins probe - @Reuters

[Acey]

Originally Posted by Yamer

How can something like that even happen? At some point wouldn't they notice that at least something was failing?

It's crazy how disoriented you can get flying in the pitch black, with no point of reference you can't even tell if you're level, much less ascending or descending if the rate is gradual enough. This flight crashed kill all aboard because maintenance personnel screwed up so the crew had no instruments, flying on moonless night. Captain thought he was at 8,000 feet but was seconds from hitting the water.

I suspect Americans will get heavily involved in this investigation if the crash wasn't intentional... the 777 is the backbone of American carriers so they'll want answers ASAP (it is the workhorse of Air Canada's long-haul fleet as well)

[nik-]

Flying scares the hell out of me ... I don't know why I read these threads.

[oilyfan]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

How does that usually work in North America? I know customs typically scans your computer into the system, but that is after you land. TSA looks at it with black lights to try to make sure its not fake, but they don't scan into the computer. It seems that airlines here are somewhat inconsistent, and will sometimes scan into something, but often they just look at them and give them back. Domestic flights would have no passport screening. Unless I am missing something, seems like they would normally miss something like that around here too.

When you book a domestic flight, the airline sends your name to the TSA to check against the no fly list. For flying internationally your passport information has to be provided prior to check in.

[JonDuke]

Originally Posted by Mango

Malaysian transport minister: Officials investigating identities of 4 passengers on missing flight; FBI joins probe - @Reuters

Article for anyone interested: http://linkis.com/www.reuters.com/arti/6orvU

And another one: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/m...-missing-mh370

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Regorium

IF you're talking about AF447 (the one that disappeared in 2009), the issue was that they (the pilots) had no idea they were in a stall until about 35 seconds before impact.

Thanks- I guess I'm mixing up episodes.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by nik-

Flying scares the hell out of me ... I don't know why I read these threads.

Do yourself a favor and find a way up in a small aircraft, make sure it's with someone who will let you try the controls, not really teach you how to fly but just show you how easy and safe it is. you'll feel better immediately.

[nik-]

Originally Posted by T@T

Do yourself a favor and find a way up in a small aircraft, make sure it's with someone who will let you try the controls, not really teach you how to fly but just show you how easy and safe it is. you'll feel better immediately.

Yeah maybe. Oddly enough, in Dash 8's and ####ty little prop planes like that, I'm much calmer, but still not good. In big jets (especially MD80's for some reason) I'm a little bitch.

[opendoor]

Originally Posted by Yamer

How can something like that even happen? At some point wouldn't they notice that at least something was failing?

It's a pretty interesting (and frightening) example of pilot error. Here's a good description of roughly what is believed to have happened in the cockpit if you're interested:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technolog...-to-crash.html

[Jbo]

I've been afraid of flying forever, but after just comig back from Europe, I have truly come to realize how safe it is.

[nik-]

I fully accept that my fear isn't rational.

[Jbo]

Originally Posted by nik-

I fully accept that my fear isn't rational.

Oh I'm the same. Still usually a wreak when I have to fly. The world is just too damn cool not to do it, so I just deal with it.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by nik-

Yeah maybe. Oddly enough, in Dash 8's and ####ty little prop planes like that, I'm much calmer, but still not good. In big jets (especially MD80's for some reason) I'm a little bitch.

Short crazy story about flying in a MD80, Few years back myself and 3 buds were leaving Myrtle Beach from a golf holiday when the steward came on the intercom asking for six volunteers to move to the back of the aircraft because of weight issues. nobody likes sitting back there because it's noisy but myself and one of my buds moved back as needed. about 5 minutes went by when this steward came back on very irritated and said, look people we need another 600lbs in the rear seats or this aircraft won't make it to Chicago..lol, the whole front of the planes passengers stood up with wide eyes.

[jschick88]

Malaysia transport minister: "The four names are with me and I have spoken to intelligence agencies"

Rescue teams looking for a missing Malaysia Airlines flight have widened their search area, the Malaysian transport minister says.

They are investigating the possibility the plane turned back after losing contact, Hishammuddin Hussein said.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-26502843