Pilot Actions in 2022 China Eastern Airlines Crash Under Investigation
WUZHOU, CHINA (WKRC) — New findings from the March 21, 2022, crash of China Eastern Airlines flight MU5735 indicate possible intentional actions by one of the pilots.
The Boeing 737-800 was en route from Kunming to Guangzhou when it plunged into the ground, resulting in 132 fatalities, including 123 passengers and nine crew members.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), data revealed that both engines' fuel switches were turned off simultaneously while the aircraft was airborne. The flight recorders were manually disabled, and the autopilot was disengaged, suggesting deliberate interference in flight operations.
Graphs indicate a struggle in the cockpit, with one pilot reportedly pushing the aircraft into a steep dive while the other attempted to regain control. A source familiar with preliminary assessments noted, “the plane did what it was told to do by someone in the cockpit.”
The NTSB reported that the flight data recorder ceased recording at 26,000 feet when the aircraft lost power. Initial Chinese assessments indicated all systems were functioning normally prior to the incident.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China confirmed that no issues were found with the aircraft, crew, or weather conditions on the day of the flight. The preliminary report affirmed that the crew members held valid licenses and had passed health checks. There has been public speculation in China regarding one pilot, 59-year-old Zhang Zhengping, who had been demoted prior to the crash.
Investigation efforts continue to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.