Fuel Cut-Off Confirmed as Cause of Deadly 2022 China Eastern Plane Crash

A Boeing 737 operated by China Eastern Airlines crashed into a hillside in 2022, killing all 132 people on board. Newly released data from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reveals that the plane’s fuel supply was deliberately cut off mid-flight, causing the engines to fail and the aircraft to plummet from cruising altitude.

This discovery sheds light on the deadliest air disaster in China in decades, a tragedy that had remained shrouded in mystery due to limited information from Chinese authorities. The findings raise questions about the circumstances leading to the crash and highlight ongoing concerns about transparency in aviation investigations.

How the Fuel Cut-Off Led to the Crash

The NTSB report, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, shows that the fuel switches on both engines of flight MU5735 were moved to the 'cut-off' position while cruising at 29,000 feet. This action caused the engine speeds to drop sharply, leading to a rapid loss of power and the plane’s sudden descent.

Fuel switches control the flow of fuel to the engines and are typically used by pilots to start or shut down engines. The data was extracted from the plane’s black box, which was recovered from the crash site and analyzed in Washington, D.C.

Timeline of the Tragic Flight

The flight departed from Kunming, Yunnan, heading to Guangzhou on the afternoon of the crash. After more than an hour in the air, the plane was cruising steadily when it suddenly dropped thousands of meters in under three minutes.

• At cruising altitude: 29,100 feet
• Two minutes and 15 seconds later: 9,075 feet
• Final recorded altitude: 3,225 feet at 14:22 local time

Air traffic controllers attempted to contact the plane during its rapid descent but received no response.

Investigation Challenges and Speculation

China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) led the investigation, with assistance from the NTSB due to the aircraft’s American origin. While multiple theories were considered—including pilot error, technical failure, or deliberate action—the fuel cut-off data supports the possibility of intentional interference.

"These rumours…have seriously misled the public and interfered with the investigation of the accident.",—Wu Shijie, CAA official

Despite speculation about pilot suicide, the CAA has denied such claims and emphasized that the crew was properly licensed, rested, and healthy on the day of the flight.

Transparency Concerns and Future Implications

China has yet to release a final report on the crash, citing national security and social stability concerns. This lack of transparency has drawn criticism from international observers and aviation experts.

The tragedy underscores the importance of open investigations to improve aviation safety and prevent future disasters. While airplane crashes remain rare in China, this incident highlights the need for clear communication and thorough analysis in the aftermath of such events.