The Seventh Arc Information and analysis of satellite data and drift modelling identified an area set out in the map and labelled as the 7th arc. At the time MH370 reached this arc, the aircraft is considered to have exhausted its fuel and to have been descending. As a result, it was determined that the aircraft was unlikely to be more than 27.5 NM (51 km) to the west or 25 NM (46 km) to the east of the arc. Based on all the independent analysis of satellite communications and aircraft performance, the total extent of the 7th arc reaches from latitude 20 degrees S to 40 degrees S. Click map…

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At the request of the Malaysian Government, Australia accepted responsibility for the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. After the conclusion of the surface search, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) led the underwater search for MH370 in the southern Indian Ocean. Each week, from 10 September 2014 to 11 January 2017, an operational update was published, tracking the progress of the search effort and identifying noteworthy developments. At a meeting of Ministers from Malaysia, Australia and the People’s Republic of China held on 22 July 2016, it was agreed that…

These videos illustrate different aspects of the search for MH370. You may use this material under a creative commons license. That license allows you to copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this publication provided that you attribute the work.  

Safety concern The ATSB continues to investigate accidents—many fatal—that involve pilots flying with reduced visual references. Under visual flight rules (VFR), it is crucial that pilots have sufficient visual reference to see and avoid obstacles. Visual cues are also required to maintain orientation so VFR pilots know which way is up and can maintain control of their aircraft. Visual reference can be reduced by cloud, darkness, or atmospheric conditions such as rain, fog, smoke or haze. Two main risks are associated with flying in limited visibility: loss of orientation, leading to loss of…

ACARS Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System. Acc Rep Accredited representative. In accordance with Annex 13, the ATSB may assist other overseas agencies in the investigation of accidents and serious incidents that do not involve Australian registered aircraft. In these cases an ATSB investigator would be appointed to the investigation as an accredited representative. On 1 April 2014 the ATSB appointed an accredited representative to the MH370 investigation, at the request of the Malaysian Government. ADF Australian Defence Force. AFP Australian Federal Police. Airspace Any…

On 8 March 2014, the Boeing 777-200ER aircraft registered as Malaysia Airlines 9M-MRO and operating as flight MH370 (MH370) disappeared from air traffic control radar after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a scheduled passenger service to Beijing, China with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board. After analysis of satellite data it was discovered that MH370 continued to fly for over six hours after contact was lost. All the available data indicates the aircraft entered the sea close to a long but narrow arc of the southern Indian Ocean. On 31 March 2014, following an extensive sea and…

The following factsheets provide useful background information on the operational search for MH370. MH370 – drift analysis: Trajectories of Global Drifter Program drifters – 9 September 2015 (Article by Dr David Griffin of CSIRO) MH370: Aircraft Debris and Drift Modelling - 4 August 2015 MH370: Sonar Contacts Fact Sheet - 29 July 2015 Considerations on defining the search area – MH370 – 26 May 2014 Mapping the ocean floor — Bathymetric survey - MH370 – 26 May 2014 The intensified underwater search for MH370 - 26 May 2014 MH370: Bathymetric Survey Fact Sheet - 10 September 2014 MH370:…

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