Various technical malfunctions, such as mechanical failure, have been proposed as possible explanations for the disappearance. Some researchers speculate that sudden cabin decompression may have incapacitated the crew and passengers. In the event of decompression, the crew would only have a few seconds to put on oxygen masks, which in this case, they may not have had time to do. If gradual decompression occurred, the plane may have continued to fly automatically until it ran out of fuel and crashed into the sea.

This theory has some plausibility, as investigators concluded that the aircraft passed several key waypoints in autopilot mode, indicating it was under the control of autopilot until it ran out of fuel. However, in the case of mechanical failure, the crew could still have sent an emergency signal. Since this wasn’t done, it casts doubt on this theory.

Theory of Terrorism or Hijacking

Although a terrorist attack was initially considered as a possible cause, some researchers believe hijacking may have occurred. Two people on the flight used stolen passports, which initially raised suspicions of terrorist involvement. However, investigations showed that these passports were used by Iranian nationals who appeared to be trying to enter Europe illegally, without connections to any terrorist groups. The hijacking scenario may involve a situation where the hijackers disabled the crew and passengers and took control of the flight. If the plane was intentionally crashed into the ocean, the hijackers may have been attempting to hide evidence or prevent the plane from being recaptured. However, the lack of responsibility claimed for the hijacking and the absence of evidence of hijackers make this theory questionable.

Theory of a Cyber Attack

Another possibility is that the aircraft was the target of a cyber attack that disrupted navigation systems or even took control of the flight. In theory, a sophisticated attacker could have disabled communication and taken control of the aircraft remotely. Supporters of this theory suggest that communication systems, including the ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System), may have been deliberately shut off. Aviation experts consider this theory highly questionable but technically possible. The growing connectivity of planes with the internet and satellite networks could, in the future, facilitate aircraft control via cyber attacks. However, in the case of MH370, there is no evidence of hacking or remote flight control.

Theory of Human Error

Some theorists suggest unintentional human error. They argue that a series of unforeseen events could have led to a loss of communication and control over the aircraft. In aviation, procedural errors can have fatal consequences, especially in emergencies. It is possible that the pilot and crew encountered a situation that overwhelmed them due to procedural mistakes, confusion, or stress. Combined with possible technical failures, human error might explain certain events, such as deviation from the planned flight route and lack of communication with air traffic control.

Meteors and Aliens

Due to the mystery and drama surrounding the case, various theories, some bordering on science fiction, have emerged. One suggests that flight MH370 may have been hit by a meteor. On the day of the disappearance, Earth was passing through a region of space with higher meteor frequency. According to this theory, a meteor may have struck the plane, causing an immediate catastrophe. However, this explanation is considered highly unlikely due to the extremely low statistical chance of a meteor hitting a plane in flight. Additionally, a meteor would likely have left evidence that could be detected in the sea, yet no such evidence has been found. A popular but completely unfounded theory is that the plane was abducted by aliens.

Conspiracy theorists who support this idea suggest that the mysterious disappearance without a trace could be due to an “air abduction” by an extraterrestrial civilization that used advanced technology to intercept the aircraft and remove it from Earth’s atmosphere. This theory has no scientific basis but remains popular among science fiction enthusiasts.

Black Holes and Time Anomalies

Some theorists have suggested that MH370 somehow “entered” a black hole or other space phenomenon that simply “swallowed” it. The black hole theory was quickly dismissed by astrophysicists, who pointed out that a black hole capable of swallowing a plane would have to be large enough to engulf the entire planet, which is impossible. Thus, although the idea intrigued the public’s imagination, it has no scientific basis.

Some even went so far as to suggest that MH370 simply “disappeared” due to unusual time anomalies or “time shifting” in the Indian Ocean. This theory relies on concepts like “lost worlds” or “other dimensions,” which allegedly explain how the plane could vanish without a trace. While fascinating, this theory has no grounding in physics or science and depends solely on popular conspiracy theories and related ideas.

Military Zones

Another theory suggests that the aircraft entered a military zone in the Indian Ocean. The flight path was close to the military zones of several countries, including India, Malaysia, and Australia. MH370 may have inadvertently entered restricted airspace, prompting a rapid military response. Some speculate that the plane was mistakenly identified as a threat and shot down. However, no government has confirmed such an incident, and no material evidence has been found to support this theory. Some conspiracy theorists believe that MH370 was used in a covert military experiment that went wrong, leading all parties involved to cover up the truth. This theory assumes that governments are capable of concealing such events and hiding them from the public. The lack of evidence contradicts these claims, and many experts consider it unlikely that governments could hide an incident of this magnitude.

The Mystery Lives On

Although more than a decade has passed since the incident, the disappearance of flight MH370 remains unresolved. This is a great tragedy for the friends and families of the victims but also material for aviation experts and both amateur and serious theorists who continue to search for answers. The disappearance of MH370 highlighted the need for radical improvements in tracking systems for civilian aircraft, especially those flying over oceans and other remote areas not covered by traditional radar systems.

As a result of MH370’s disappearance, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) developed initiatives requiring the introduction of advanced real-time aircraft tracking systems. One of these is the Global Aeronautical Distress and Safety System (GADSS), which requires planes to send regular signals of their location even on long international flights.

With satellite systems like ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), GADSS allows aircraft to be tracked even when they are out of range of traditional radar. This technology can significantly reduce the risk of losing aircraft and expedite rescue operations. Other changes in civil aviation have also been introduced, such as automatic transmission of flight data and advanced black boxes that can survive ocean crashes. These changes enhance the safety of flights for passengers and crew. Of course, these advances will not solve the MH370 case, and it remains uncertain whether the whole truth will ever be known.

Author: Matija Šerić

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons