Sensational MH370 Debris: Questions & Answers

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Thu Dec 22, 2022

The new sensational piece of MH370 debris uncovered by Blaine Gibson and the subject of a report from Mr Gibson and aeronautical engineer Richard Godfrey has raised questions which have now been answered in the new paper released today.

You can view the document here:

Here is the original report:

Subscribe to the Airlineratings.com newsletter to get the relevant news first

In the conclusion Mr Godrey and Mr Gibson say;

"We remain convinced that the new discovery is almost certain to be a floating debris item from the crash of MH370. It is likely to be the remnants of a movable wing component in the vicinity of the engines. The force of the puncture damage has not been seen on any other of the 36 floating debris items found from MH370 and handed to the authorities for analysis.

"One aircraft component that is a moving part in the vicinity of the engine and in an exposed position, when opened, is the main landing gear trunnion door. The direction of the puncture damage means that it is more likely that the landing gear was extended than retracted. In our report, we stated: “the landing gear was highly likely extended on impact, which in turn supports the conclusion that there was an active pilot until the end of the flight.”

"Until corroborating evidence comes to light, we have decided to remove the word “highly”. We now conclude “the landing gear was likely extended on impact, which in turn supports the conclusion that there was an active pilot until the end of the flight.”

"The active pilot did not follow the normal procedure, as successfully applied by Captain Sullenberger on flight US Airways 1549, in his emergency landing on the Hudson River, to extend the flaps but keep the undercarriage retracted in the up position.

"The ATSB concludes in their analysis of the MH370 Outboard Flap that the flaps were not extended. If the undercarriage of MH370 was lowered, then it begs the question of why the normal procedure was not followed. Obviously, if an active pilot did not care about the safety of the aircraft or the resulting damage, then this procedural question is of no significance.

"The final conclusion in our report remains unchanged as follows: “The recovered 370 floating debris speaks to how the plane crashed, and the oceanographic drift analysis speaks to where. Neither can tell us who was flying the aircraft or why.”

About AirlineRatings.com

Airlineratings.com was developed to provide everyone in the world a one-stop shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors, who have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

Our rating system is rated from one to seven stars on safety – with seven being the highest ranking. Within each airline, you will find the country of origin, airline code, booking URL and seat map information. The rating system takes into account a number of different factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies, lead associations, as well as the airlines, own safety data. Every airline has a safety rating breakdown so you can see exactly how they rate.

Over 230 of the airlines on the site that carry 99 per cent of the world’s passengers have a product rating. Given that low-cost, regional and full-service carriers are so different we have constructed a different rating system for each which can be found within each airline.

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
Africa's safest airlines
Airline News

Africa's safest airlines

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood
Air Europa Business Class review
Airline Ratings review

Air Europa Business Class review

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood
The rise of STARLUX Airlines
Airline News

The rise of STARLUX Airlines

Jun 26, 2026

Airline Ratings
Southwest, JetBlue, and WestJet: who gives the best experience, safety and value?
Airline News

Southwest, JetBlue, and WestJet: who gives the best experience, safety and value?

Jun 26, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
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
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
STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond
Airline News

STARLUX vs Delta Airlines from Taipai to North America and beyond

Jun 19, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice  from Australia and beyond?
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice from Australia and beyond?

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen