2022-03-21
China Eastern Airlines
Flight MU5735
Departure
Kunming Changshui International Airport, Kunming, China
Destination
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangzhou, China
Causation Breakdown
Recurrence Likelihood Today
Low
The investigation remains open. If deliberate action is confirmed, systemic response will depend on China's CAAC recommendations. Mental health monitoring and two-person cockpit rules are under review.
Summary
China Eastern Flight 5735 plunged from cruising altitude in a near-vertical dive and struck a mountainside in Guangxi, China, killing all 132 aboard. The wreckage site was obliterated by the near-supersonic impact. U.S. NTSB analysis of recovered flight data indicated the control column was pushed forward deliberately, but no official cause determination has been released by China's aviation authority. It remains one of the most analysed and least explained accidents in recent aviation history.
Cause & Investigation
Determined cause
Under investigation — possible deliberate control input
The Boeing 737-800 suddenly entered a near-vertical dive from 29,000 feet and struck a mountainous hillside in Guangxi at near-supersonic vertical speed. NTSB analysis of flight data showed the control column was pushed forcefully forward and engines' fuel control switches were moved — suggesting possible intentional action — though no official conclusion has been published by China's CAAC. No mechanical failure prior to the dive has been identified.
Investigation body
Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); NTSB (technical advisory).
Timeline & Safety Improvements
Flight MU5735 disaster
Boeing 737-89P operating for China Eastern Airlines. 132 fatalities, 0 survivors.
Formal investigation opened
Conducted by: Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC); NTSB (technical advisory).
Cause determined: Under investigation — possible deliberate control input
The Boeing 737-800 suddenly entered a near-vertical dive from 29,000 feet and struck a mountainous hillside in Guangxi at near-supersonic vertical speed. NTSB analysis of flight data showed the control column was pushed forcefully forward and engines' fuel control switches were moved — suggesting possible intentional action — though no official conclusion has been published by China's CAAC. No mechanical failure prior to the dive has been identified.
Improvement implemented
China ordered a safety review of all Chinese commercial airline operations.
Improvement implemented
CAAC initiated a review of crew screening and mental health monitoring procedures.
Improvement implemented
Boeing 737-800 fleet inspections were conducted across Chinese carriers.
Improvement implemented
Investigation ongoing — formal findings have not yet been published.