Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER 9M-MRD. Photo copyright M. Azizul Islam. Photo used with permission, do not copy or reproduce.
Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER 9M-MRD taking-off from Frankfurt airport. Photo copyright M. Azizul Islam. Photo used with permission, do not copy or reproduce. Original photo hosted at http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=7495663

Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200ER crashes over Ukraine #MH17

July 17, 2014 4 Comments 460 Views

Plane suspected to be shot down

National carrier and oneworld member Malaysia Airlines has suffered another plane crash following the disappearance of its flight MH370 from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8.

Earlier today, the airline’s flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, being performed by a Boeing 777-200ER (Extended Range), registration 9M-MRD lost contact while flying over the Ukraine. The Interfax news agency and news channel CNN are reporting the plane has crashed around 13:20Z (18:50 IST) in the eastern Ukraine the troubled border it shares with Russia.

The plane with 280 passengers and 15 crew on board, has taken off from Amsterdam Schipol airport at 12:14 CET (11:14Z, 16:44 IST).

As per Aviation Herald, was en-route at flight level 330 (33,000ft above sea level) about 20nm northeast of Donetsk (Ukraine) when the transponder signal was lost at FL330 at position N48.56 E37.21.

Malaysia Airlines MH17 great circle route map from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia Airlines MH17 great circle route map from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. Map generated by www.gcmap.com.
Malaysia Airlines MH17 route map from Amsterdam to LOC point (Loss of contact)
Malaysia Airlines MH17 route map from Amsterdam to LOC point (Loss of contact)
Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash close-up of LOC point.
Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash close-up of LOC point.

Malaysia Airlines has confirmed the loss of contact, but has not yet acknowledged a crash. The airline tweeted “Malaysia Airlines has lost contact of MH17 from Amsterdam. The last known position was over Ukrainian airspace. More details to follow.”

The Ukrainian President claims “We did not shoot down the plane” but officials from the country claim the flight was brought down by a missile.

Airlines around the world have already announced they are re-routing their flight to avoid Ukrainian airspace.

Stay tuned.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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