Mathematician Theorizes MH370 May Have Crashed Into The Ocean Vertically

The discovery of debris from a Boeing 777's flaperon has rekindled interest and hope in the ongoing investigation of the mysterious disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370, which disappeared on March last year. Numerous theories have been put forward that attempt to explain the reasons behind the plane's disappearance. Terrorist attacks, pilot errors and even a random mid-air collision with a meteor have been cited as possible scenarios. However, a recent theory by a Texan A&M University mathematician may very well hold some validity.

Using "applied mathematics, computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulations of a Boeing 777 in a classic 'water entry' problem," the mathematician, Goong Chen, states that had the plane hit the water vertically, the fuselage wold not have broken apart, according to CNN.

A vertical entry into the water may also explain why there has been no wreckage found thus far, since the plane would most likely have sunk to the bottom of the ocean relatively intact. Critics of the theory however, state that the vertical descent is highly unlikely, as it would require a very specific set of circumstances for it to have happened.

Nevertheless, the search and investigation in the plane's disappearance continues with new vigor, with the recent discovery of a Boeing 777's part on Reunion Island, in the Indian Ocean. Though officials have been conservative about announcing the wreckage as belonging to the ill-fated flight, authorities are treating the discovery as a major lead, reports Fox News.

"It's the first real evidence that there is a possibility that a part of the aircraft may have been found," Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss said. "It's too early to make that judgment, but clearly we are treating this as a major lead."

The recovered flaperon has been sent to the French City of Toulouse, the center for European Aviation, for an investigation.

Tags

MH370, Flight MH370, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, Malaysian Airlines