NTSB Report Says Fuel Cut Off Before China Eastern Crash

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.

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 Reuters and BBC, the flight data recorder was sent to the NTSB laboratory in Washington for analysis because Boeing is an American aircraft manufacturer. The Daily Mail reported that Chinese authorities allegedly knew within weeks that a pilot had deliberately brought down the passenger jet.

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.