British scientists say hydroacoustic technology could be the key to solving one of aviation's greatest mysteries — the disappearance of MH370.
The Malaysian Airlines flight disappeared with 239 people on board in March 2014 and despite extensive search efforts, focused on the Southern Indian Ocean, the final location of the aircraft remains unknown.
Researchers at Cardiff University have analysed hundreds of hours of data from hydrophones — underwater microphones that capture sound waves and pressure changes in all directions.
Violent ocean impacts such as air plane crashes produce distinctive acoustic signatures which can travel distances exceeding 3000km.
In a recent study, Cardiff University researcher Usama Kadri said clear pressure signals from previous crashes were detected on hydrophones.
"In the case of MH370, official investigations concluded the aircraft must have crashed near the 7th arc – the point at which the last communication between the plane and INMERSAT occurred."
A singular, relatively weak signal was identified at within the time frame and location suggested by the initial search in the Indian Ocean for MH370, he said.
"Further analysis and future research are therefore necessary to fully comprehend the detected signals and their implications for MH370's disappearance."
The study recommends that authorities conduct field experiments including controlled explosions or airguns along the 7th arc while monitoring signals at surrounding hydroacoustic stations.
Experiments with energy levels similar to the impact of MH370 could reveal insights into the location of the missing aircraft.
Kadri said similar exercises were performed during the search and rescue operation for an Argentinian navy submarine in 2017.
"This shows us that it is relatively straightforward and feasible and could provide a means to determine the signal’s relevance to MH370, prior to resuming with another extensive search.
"If found to be related, this would significantly narrow down, almost pinpoint, the aircraft’s location. On the other hand, if the signals are found to be unrelated, it would indicate a need for authorities to reassess the time frame or location established by their official search efforts to date."
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