Debris found on Réunion from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370

OKINAWA, Japan (March 9, 2014) A P-3C Orion patrol craft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 departs from Kadena Air Base to aid in the search efforts of the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. The P-3C brings long-range search, radar and communications capabilities to the efforts. The flight had 227 passengers from 14 nations, mainly China, and 12 crew members. According to the Malaysia Airlines website, three Americans, including one infant, were also aboard. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

Airplane debris found on the French island of Réunion is in fact from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, according to published reports.

A “flaperon” from a Boeing 777, the same plane used on missing flight, was found on the Indian Ocean island late last month.

Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 (MH370) was traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing when disappeared on March 8, 2014. Despite a massive international search, no remnants were found until the debris washed up on Réunion.

“I hope that this confirmation, however tragic and painful, will at least bring certainty to the families and loved ones of the 239 people on board MH370,” NBC News quoted Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak as saying. “They have our deepest sympathy and prayers.”

Investigators believe the flight turned south and headed into the Indian Ocean. After the crash, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razakon said Malaysia Airlines flight 370 “ended” in the southern Indian Ocean.

After its discovery, the debris was taken to Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) in France. The BEA is the French equivalent of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Avatar photo
About Todd DeFeo 1651 Articles
Todd DeFeo loves to travel anywhere, anytime, taking pictures and notes. An award-winning reporter, Todd revels in the experience and the fact that every place has a story to tell. He is the owner of The DeFeo Groupe and also edits Express Telegraph and Railfanning.org.