AirAsia QZ8501: Search Dwindling, No Time Left?
The search resumes for AirAsia flight QZ8501. Yesterday was a smaller search than today’s.
Search for missing Air Asia plane #QZ8501 resumes. Eight boats, two aircraft & three helicopters deployed to search for missing flight.
— Breaking News Feed (@PzFeed) December 28, 2014
Since 7 a.m., local time, rescue vessels have been searching for any possible survivors or aircraft traces, anything to give some type of sign. Possibly with these deployed units, the chances of finding the downed AirAsia aircraft will be greater. There is no information about where the plane has gone down, whether in water or on land. However, efforts are working both possibilities.
#QZ8501: SAR efforts will be concentrated on islands & seas east of Belitung. Authorities are briefing SAR personnel pic.twitter.com/wcOAgFa1C8
— TODAY (@TODAYonline) December 29, 2014
The Indonesian vice president, Jusuf Kalla, spoke on the issue earlier.
It’s been more than 10 hours; there’s a big possibility that an accident has happened. We express our deepest condolences and apologies.
themmailonline: #QZ8501: Flight likely suffered ‘accident’, Indonesian VP says http://t.co/pkrVRrixnE pic.twitter.com/HdUU0PU3jR
— Malaysia News (@Malaysia_Latest) December 29, 2014
However, though several people think AirAsia QZ8501 is underwater, it may have a gleam of hope. Fortunately, many planes come equipped with flotation technology. So if the plane went down in water, it would more-than-likely be afloat rather than submerged. Well, this would be the case if the pilots initiated the switch while it was still functioning.
Missing AirAsia plane had ditching switch that could help it float, expert says. http://t.co/PUHdg9vild
— CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) December 28, 2014
In either instance, how much time is left for AirAsia QZ8501? What injuries have been sustained? What wildlife are they encountering or battling? If in water, if not already, how long before hypothermia sets in?
There are many questions to be asked and answered, questions surely family wants to know. Several people ask:
How does a plane ‘disappear’?
This is a question many spectators and family members are asking in several variations.
How can we keep track of a rover on Mars and land a spacecraft on a comet but yet we’ve lost a plane…again. #QZ8501
— Pills & Pebbles (@smnta02) December 28, 2014
Do you believe I can find my iPhone anywhere in the world but they can’t find these missing planes? #QZ8501
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) December 28, 2014
“We can land a probe on a comet, put rovers on Mars, but can’t find missing planes on Earth #QZ8501 #MH370”
— Isabel ? (@sabbalivio) December 29, 2014
We can build a space station, land a probe on a comets but #MH370 is still missing & now #QZ8501 has disappeared ~ #Priorities
— Peace be with you… (@ru4peace2) December 29, 2014
Sadly, AirAsia flight QZ8501 is not the first airliner to go missing. It has happened sporadically since 1948. As aforementioned above, it brings to question why better tracking technologies aren’t available in these types of circumstances.
More than 80 planes have gone missing since 1948 #QZ8501 http://t.co/K8oGSdZiMW pic.twitter.com/4FPoi090VQ
— Conrad Hackett (@conradhackett) December 28, 2014
This is not exactly encouraging to know. Yet, it is a statistical basis that can be accepted.
However, AirAsia Indonesia’s CEO, Sunu Widyatmoko, offers comfort in a brief statement.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this incident. We are cooperating with the relevant authorities to the fullest extent to determine the cause of this incident. In the meantime, our main priority is keeping the families of our passengers and colleagues informed on the latest developments.
“We will do everything possible to support them as the investigation continues and have already mobilized a support team to help take care of their immediate needs, including accommodation and travel arrangements. A briefing center has also been set up in Surabaya for the families.”
Thankfully, on December 28, a different AirAsia QZ8501 flight landed safely at Changi Airport.
UPDATE: Today’s #QZ8501 flight has landed safely at Changi Airport, Terminal 1 http://t.co/I9lXiR4BQ4 pic.twitter.com/GGX6RFm4LO
— Channel NewsAsia (@ChannelNewsAsia) December 29, 2014
However, yesterday’s PK-AXV model, AirAsia QZ8501 flight remains lost. It is hope of families, friends and multitudes of spectators that the plane is found with survivors.