QZ8501: Fuselage found

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Sat Jan 3, 2015

Indonesian authorities claim they have found part of the fuselage of Indonesia AirAsia flight QZ8501 that went missing a week ago with 162 souls aboard.

Bambang Soelistyo, chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency said that five large pieces have been detected by sonar. “The biggest piece, measuring 18 metres long and 5.4 metres wide, appeared to be part of the jet’s body,” said Bambang Soelistyo.

CNN says one object measures 9.2 x 4.6 x 0.5 meters (30 x 15 x 1.6 feet), a second measures 7.2 x 0.5 meters (24 x 1.6 feet) a third is 18 meters x 5.4 meters (59ft x 17.7ft) and a fourth according to the BBC is 9.8 metres by 1.10 metres (32ft x 3ft).

While the A320 would have likely broken up on hitting the water the cabin is just 3.7 meters wide – not 5.4meters. The A320 is 27.5 meters long.

Naval experts warn that the Java Sea is littered with wreckage from WW11 and previous claims of the plane being discovered have proved incorrect.

Divers have tried several times to find the wrekage but say visibility is zero, however the weather is improving.

About 90 divers from Indonesia and Russia are being deployed.

The search for the black boxes has started with a pinger locator being deployed.

So far 37 bodies have been recovered.

The indonesian authoritires also say they have found a fuel slick from the plane.

A new 14-page report released by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency claims weather is a major factor in the crash.

QZ8501 OUT OF CONTROL
TRUTH THE FIRST CASUALTY
2014 AIRLINE SAFETY - THE FACTS

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
K2 Airways Boeing 737 vanishes off Pakistan
Airline News

K2 Airways Boeing 737 vanishes off Pakistan

Jul 7, 2026

Josh Wood
Which airline is the safest in the Philippines?
Airline News

Which airline is the safest in the Philippines?

Jul 7, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Bangladesh's safest airlines
Airline News

Bangladesh's safest airlines

Jul 7, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Which airline in Mongolia is the safest?
Airline News

Which airline in Mongolia is the safest?

Jul 7, 2026

Sharon Petersen

Featured articles

View more
K2 Airways Boeing 737 vanishes off Pakistan
Airline News

K2 Airways Boeing 737 vanishes off Pakistan

Jul 7, 2026

Josh Wood
Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines recognised as a Seven Star PLUS safety rated airline

Jun 24, 2026

Airline Ratings
Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards
Airline News

Cast your vote for the world's best airlines in the 2026 Flyers Choice Awards

Jul 7, 2026

Airline Ratings
EVA Airways Business Class: Still impressive, but not cutting edge
Airline Ratings review

EVA Airways Business Class: Still impressive, but not cutting edge

Jun 25, 2026

Airline Ratings