Originally Posted by
1stspotter
ABC News reports that two data systems were switched off with an interval of 14 minutes.
First at 1:07 AM the data transmission system was not sending data anymore, then at 1.21 AM the transponder did not sent any data.
ABC suggest this was done deliberatley.
The 'ping data' to satellites is the only system which cannot be shutdown manually.
Malaysia Airline Search Intensifies in Two Widely Separated Areas - ABC News
Since the data is not transmitted continuously this is not a valid conclusion. The ACARS Data is ONLY transmitted in very short bursts that can be up to 30 minutes (suggested normal interval by MAL CEO & others on this forum) apart in cruise. The LAST ACARS DATA transmitted (not ping) was at 1:07....but that doesn't mean the system stopped then, it just means that from then on till actual turn off, there was no issue with the engines i.e. no events & the time period between reporting had not expired so the ACARS did not need to transmit.