Three Years Without Answers: What Happened in China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 Crash?
On March 21, 2022, a Boeing 737-800 operated by China Eastern Airlines crashed into a hillside in the Guangxi region of southwest China, resulting in the deaths of all 132 people on board. This became China’s deadliest aviation disaster in three decades. However, despite expectations, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has yet to release a final report on the causes of the crash.
A Silence That Generates Uncertainty
According to international regulations, authorities are required to issue a preliminary report within 30 days of an accident and, if necessary, provide annual updates until the final report is published. Yet, three years after the tragedy, the victims’ families and the aviation industry are still waiting for answers.
The CAAC has released a preliminary report and two annual updates, but with few details about the investigation. The most recent update, published recently, contained no significant new information, leading to frustration and speculation on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu.
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Investigation and Theories About the Crash
Initial investigations ruled out issues with the aircraft, engines, or weather conditions. Additionally, the crew had valid licenses, sufficient rest, and had passed health checks on the day of the flight.
In May 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that data from the black box suggested intentional action as the cause of the crash, according to a preliminary assessment by U.S. authorities. However, the CAAC dismissed these speculations, arguing that they could mislead the public and hinder the investigation.
Delays in Aviation Reports: A Global Problem
The delay in publishing the final report on Flight 5735 is part of a concerning trend in global aviation. Specialized organizations have warned about the increasing delays in releasing final reports, citing resource shortages, judicial interference, or a lack of political will to disclose certain findings.
Changes in Chinese Legislation
The Chinese government is considering amendments to its civil aviation legislation, including measures against the spread of “rumors” about aviation safety. This initiative has raised concerns about transparency in the communication of accidents and their investigations.
Calls for Answers
The victims’ families and the public continue to demand explanations. Comments on social media reflect frustration and distrust: “Three years and still no answers? Does anyone remember?” wrote one Weibo user. Another on Xiaohongshu stated, “Not publishing the report is also a form of reporting.”
As time passes without conclusive information, the Flight 5735 crash remains shrouded in uncertainty. The international aviation community and those affected are waiting for the CAAC to provide clear answers about what happened and concrete measures to prevent future tragedies.
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