Phê Vé
May 3, 2026 • 3 min read
The tragic crash of a China Eastern Airlines flight in March 2022 remains unexplained. New information from the NTSB suggests it may have been a deliberate act by the pilot.
Summary of the China Eastern Incident
In March 2022, a Boeing 737 operated by China Eastern Airlines crashed during a domestic flight in China, resulting in the deaths of all 132 people on board. The incident shocked the world as the aircraft plunged unexpectedly without any warning signs, even though investigators indicated that there were no serious issues with the plane.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) is leading the investigation but has not provided transparent information, even claiming that disclosing details could "endanger national security and social stability."
New Information from the Investigation
Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released information revealing crucial details about the incident. According to the report, it appears that both engines of the aircraft were shut down simultaneously before the crash, indicating that this could have been a deliberate action.
Investigators determined that the fuel cutoff switches had been activated, and at that time, the autopilot was also disengaged. A suspicious maneuver occurred when the control column was pulled to the left and pushed forward, causing the aircraft to enter a nosedive.
Suspicious Circumstances
Information suggests that at the moment the aircraft lost control, both engines were shut down at the same time. This action was not due to mechanical failure but rather a deliberate decision. This is particularly noteworthy when compared to the Air India accident, where the engines were also shut down shortly after takeoff.
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In the case of China Eastern, despite theories that the situation could have been salvaged, the combination of the pilot's maneuvering into a nosedive sealed the fate of the aircraft.
The Main Suspect
The first officer of the flight is currently the main suspect. With an impressive 31,800 flight hours, he held a subordinate position, having previously been demoted from captain. Notably, the incident occurred just before the aircraft began its descent, a time when pilots often leave the cockpit to use the restroom.
Many details of this incident evoke memories of the 1999 EgyptAir crash, which also had similar elements and faced information suppression by the country’s authorities.
Conclusion
To date, the crash of the China Eastern Boeing 737 remains without a reliable explanation. The Chinese government has refused to disclose information, citing potential threats to national security. Data from the NTSB indicates intentional actions by the pilot, but it remains unclear whether this was a suicide. This serves as a lesson on the need for transparency in the aviation industry and calls for reforms in flight safety management.
For Vietnamese travelers considering flying with China Eastern Airlines, it's advisable to seek additional information on flight safety and the airline's operational status. Don't forget to check visa regulations and safety requirements before planning your international trip.
This article is based on and edited from: One Mile at a TimePhê Vé
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