Flight Data Raises New Questions About 2022 China Eastern Crash
Newly released flight data has reignited debate over the cause of the China Eastern Airlines crash in 2022, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in China in recent decades.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, operating flight MU5735 from Kunming to Guangzhou, plunged from cruising altitude into mountainous terrain in Guangxi province on March 21, 2022. All 132 passengers and crew on board were killed.
Fuel Switches Moved to “Cutoff” Before Descent
Data obtained from the aircraft’s flight data recorder and released by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that both engine fuel control switches moved from “run” to “cutoff” while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 29,000 feet.
According to the report, engine speeds began to drop immediately after the switches were moved. The aircraft’s generators later lost power at around 26,000 feet, causing the flight data recorder to stop capturing information before impact.
Aviation experts say the sequence is difficult to explain as a mechanical failure and is more consistent with deliberate or manual intervention. However, investigators caution that the data alone does not establish intent or responsibility.
Investigation Still Inconclusive
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has not released a final accident report or addressed key questions surrounding the crash in detail. It has previously stated that no faults were found in the aircraft systems, engines, or weather conditions prior to the incident.
The cockpit voice recorder continued recording after the data recorder stopped, but full recordings have not been publicly released. US investigators reportedly analyzed portions of the audio before handing it over to Chinese authorities.
Speculation and Official Silence
Early media reports and aviation analysts have suggested that pilot actions may have played a role in the crash, though no official conclusion has confirmed this. The CAAC has previously denied claims of intentional action and stated that the crew were properly certified and medically fit for flight.
Despite widespread international attention, China has not issued a comprehensive update since 2024, prompting criticism over the lack of transparency in the investigation.
Ongoing Questions
While the newly released data adds detail to the sequence of events, experts emphasize that it does not confirm motive or fully explain why the fuel switches were moved.
The crash of flight MU5735 remains under scrutiny as one of the most closely examined aviation disasters in recent history, with key findings still awaiting official clarification.
