A piece of MH370 washed ashore ?

[Paul K]

Is this a piece of vanished Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 flight MH370 ? It has washed ashore on the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33707445

Quote from the article: An US official told the Associated Press news agency that, based on the photos, investigators had a "high degree of confidence" that the part was a flaperon unique to a Boeing 777 wing.

Also, from the Daily Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... -live.html

[airboatr]

Hi Paul,
I saw the story on the evening news today,

It was found a long way from the search area. The part had a lot of shell creatures on it , and they hope to figure out how long it'd been in the water, and how long it'd been on the beach. They are also looking at the history of the ocean currents and reverse the movement to see where it might have originated from.

All the best to the investigators , hopefully this will help locate MH370

Cheers

[Paul K]

It was found a long way from the search area. The part had a lot of shell creatures on it , and they hope to figure out how long it'd been in the water, and how long it'd been on the beach. They are also looking at the history of the ocean currents and reverse the movement to see where it might have originated from.

Joe, I made the mistake of watching a CNN report, which asked why it was found so far from the search area - the implication being that this is a new puzzle to add to the mystery. No mention of ocean currents; no mention of the time the piece had been in the water - nothing. The crap the media comes out with, and misinforms by omission, is depressing. No wonder conspiracy theorists thrive.

[Airspeed]

Yes, and even "the search area" hasn't even been proved to be any more valid than any other spot on the globe.

[petermcleland]

Rather than get relatives of the missing all fired up, I wish the media would wait for positive ID of the part. It is highly likely that a Boeing expert will look at it and say "That is not from a Boeing 777".

[Kevin Farnell]

I wish the media would wait for positive ID of the part.

I totally agree, Peter.
unfortunately that is not the way of the world.
I remember as a kid, people sat down to watch the news at 6pm and/or 9/10pm (depending on channel). Only if something significant happened did you learn of anything at other times, usually preceded by the statement 'We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a newsflash' (an example being the two B747's colliding at Tenerife).
Today, we have hundreds of News Agencies providing news 24/7 and all competing to be the first to report, or have exclusive coverage. I think it will only get worse.

Looking at the photos and comparing them with drawings posted online of the B777 'flaperon', I think there is a strong possibility that this is from MH370 (no other B777 has been reported lost over an ocean).
I'm totally confused as to why it's being sent to Toulouse for authentication. Usually, the nations involved in the investigation are airframe manufacturer, engine manufacturer, nation airline is registered and nation in which accident occurred.

Regards

Kevin

[nigelb]

I heard that they have matched a part number found on the wreckage as a 777 part number. I am waiting to see what the French have to say after they inspect it.

Nigel²

[Airspeed]

That's pretty much what I blurted out as they announced it on TV.

[nigelb]

I'm totally confused as to why it's being sent to Toulouse for authentication. Usually, the nations involved in the investigation are airframe manufacturer, engine manufacturer, nation airline is registered and nation in which accident occurred.

Regards

Kevin

Kevin, Réunion is one of the overseas departments of France like Martinique and several others. Residnets have the same status as those living on mainland France. I suppose since it was found on French soil, they have dominion over the part for the investigation.

[Airspeed]

Oh,.........you learn something every day.........