The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the fuel supply to both engines of China Eastern Airlines Flight MU5735 was cut off before it crashed in southern China in March 2022, killing all 132 people on board. According to data released by the NTSB from the plane's flight recorder, the fuel switches for both engines moved simultaneously from the run position to the cutoff position while cruising at 29,000 feet.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that both engines' fuel supply was cut off before China Eastern Airlines Flight MU5735 crashed in southern China, killing all 132 on board. According to the NTSB's analysis of flight data, the switches moved simultaneously from run to cutoff while cruising at 29,000 feet.
- NTSB confirms fuel supply was cut off to both engines before crash
- Engine speeds decreased after fuel switch movement, suggesting deliberate action
- Chinese regulators have not released a full report on the investigation for over two years
- Flight data recorder sent to NTSB lab in Washington for analysis
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▼Source Claims Check
1 Difference FoundAll 4 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims. 1 point of difference noted.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation Update | 1 Difference | HuffPost reports no safety issues; Reuters says focus was on flight crew | ▼ |
| Fuel Supply Cutoff | Broad Agreement | Fuel switches moved simultaneously to cutoff position | |
| Engine Speeds | Broad Agreement | Engine speeds decreased after fuel switch movement | |
| Investigation Update Timeline | Broad Agreement | China’s aviation regulator did not release an annual update in March 2024 |
Investigation Update
▼HuffPost reports no safety issues; Reuters says focus was on flight crew
Fuel Supply Cutoff
Broad AgreementFuel switches moved simultaneously to cutoff position
Engine Speeds
Broad AgreementEngine speeds decreased after fuel switch movement
Investigation Update Timeline
Broad AgreementChina’s aviation regulator did not release an annual update in March 2024
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The crash of the Boeing 737-800 remains one of China's deadliest air disasters in decades. The NTSB report indicates that engine speeds decreased after the fuel switch movement, suggesting a deliberate action. However, Chinese regulators have not released a full report detailing their investigation findings for over two years.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and China Eastern Airlines did not respond to requests for comment on the NTSB report. According to multiple sources, the flight data recorder was sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington for analysis because Boeing is an American aircraft manufacturer. The NTSB's probe turned up no safety issues with the Boeing 737-800 model.
The crash has become politically sensitive, with Beijing accused of suppressing information. The CAAC warned that disclosure about the crash may endanger national security and social stability. Speculation about intentional action by pilots continues, with references to similar incidents such as the 2015 Germanwings tragedy and Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
The NTSB's release of data is the first significant investigative update on the deadly crash since March 2022. In March 2024, China’s aviation regulator opted for the second year not to release an annual update on its investigation of the crash, letting the fourth anniversary pass without providing any insight into the cause.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 4 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.