Malaysia Airlines Flight Crashes in Ukraine

Malaysia Airlines Flight Crashes in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines lost another Boeing 777 today when it crashed in Ukraine, in the Donetsk region near the Russian border, amid allegations that it was shot down. The plane was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. There were 295 people aboard. Reports indicate that the plane has been found burning on the ground.

The Ukrainian Prime minister has launched an investigation. Ukrainian officials denied any involvement but did not rule out that the aircraft was shot down. Others were quick to point out the possibility that the aircraft was shot down by pro-Russian separatists. Because the aircraft was at an altitude of 33,000 feet, reports indicate that it was likely a surface to air missile. According to an advisor to the Ukrainian interior minister, via Facebook, the missile was a Buk anti-aircraft system. Separatist leaders have, in turn, blamed the country’s government forces.

Tensions in the region have been very high. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a Special Federal Aviation Regulation in May 2014 prohibiting most civil aircraft from operating in the region.

Boeing has issued a statement saying that its thoughts and prayers are with those on board as well as their family and friends. It also offered its assistance. The Malaysian Prime Minister expressed shock and stated that it would immediately investigate.

This is the fourth recent incident involving a Boeing 777, including Asiana Flight 214, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, and United Airlines Flight 201. Today also marks the anniversary of TWA 800.