Well, the fact is; the plane did crash. Regardless; "that it was not supposed to crash," unfortunately, isn't relevant at this time.

uh, we don't know that, yet. high possibility, but no proof yet.

and, regarding the robust nature of the 777, it is true. Triple 7s are one of the safest (by way of safety record) big iron planes currently flying. Indisputable

Nothing is 100% perfect and safe, end of story. It might not even have to do with the plane itself, or malicious conduct. Remember the ValuJet crash in Florida where they were shipping oxygen generators in the cargo hold of a jet carrying passengers, they caught fire and melted through the flight control hardware?

Malaysia military tracked missing plane to west coast: source | Reuters

"Malaysia's military believes a jetliner missing for almost four days turned and flew hundreds of kilometers to the west after it last made contact with civilian air traffic control off the country's east coast, a senior officer told Reuters on Tuesday.'

This is new, and explains the earlier search of that straight, but why are we just hearing about it now, and why did they let so much effort get wasted in the original flight path?

I smell fish.

all true. that it why it is imperative to find the plane. Determination of what actually occurred can affect how to prevent the cause from happening again, if it was in fact mechanical or load based.

This theory is possible, they certainly had enough fuel. They dropped 3300 feet and turned off the transponder. Only military radar could track it then. Search needs to add focus to the west side and possible places to land that big boy. Combine this theory with claims from family that passenegr smart phones are still active could indicate a hostage situation. Or, they could have crashed into the Straights. However, if that was the goal, then why not do that on the actual flight path?

Yes. This has been commented on quite a bit on the pilots forum I referenced earlier. From very early on folks were of the opinion the Malaysians knew a lot more than they were letting on. Seems to be either they were working on extremely fragmentary information, which now seems unlikely given the latest claims. Does seem very fishy indeed.

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

This is getting weird.

__________________
CENSORED due to not family friendly words

"HANOI: Massive search for the missing Malaysian plane will be expanded to scour mountainous and forest areas, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) quoted Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, Lt Gen Vo Van Tuan as saying.
“We have informed units and localities on land, including Military Zones 5, 7 and 9, and localities in the western, southeastern and central regions to deploy forces to seek the plane,”"

Land on soil rather than water, crash or otherwise would explain live phones, but why not gps them?

The mystery behind the missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 has further deepened with two men from different locations in the Malaysian state of Kelantan claiming to have spotted the aircraft plunging into the sea at approximately the same location and time. Fisherman Azid Ibrahim, 66, in Kota Baru, told the New Strait Times that an airplane appeared to fly low below the clouds which he followed for about five minutes before it disappeared. He was out at the sea with six other fishermen about 14.4 km (8.9 miles) from Kuala Besar in Pantai Cahaya Bulan. Ibrahim said the plane was flying so low that he could see its lights "as big as coconuts". He had spotted the plane with his friend at about 1:30am local time, while all his fellow fishermen were fast asleep in the boat. Missing Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370: Two Men Claim to Have Seen Plane Plunging into Sea

Hmm, that puts it back in the South China Sea, contra to the military story. Truly baffling. Unless...the plane that the Malay military tracked was a different plane that did something to the 777......act of war, anyone?

If the plane dived straight in and was stuck in the mud without shearing it's wings during the water entry there may be little physical indication of it's location.

If dive speed was low enough I wonder if it could have held together. Although entry angle would have had to be severe.

Already there seems to be no indications of breakup. Are not all pilots compartments sealed against random passenger entry now on flights between countries as a security against hijackers?

Not if you're trying to get laid apparently...

Missing flight MH370: Co-pilot entertained Melbourne woman and friend on a previous international flight | The Mercury

- Peter.

__________________
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Formerly...
2000 GMC Sonoma
1981 240D 4spd stick. 347000 miles. Deceased Feb 14 2021
2002 Kia Rio. Worst crap on four wheels
1981 240D 4spd stick. 389000 miles.
1984 123 200
1979 116 280S
1972 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
1971 108 280S

In which case you'd want to seal them with the girls inside Perhaps we should be looking for undercover terrorist hotties?