Originally Posted by
acad_l
The prime minister of Malaysia merely said that the known facts were "consistent with" foul play.
He said the ACARS were disconnected. Basically they failed to send further data. How can one distinguish between intentional vs. result of some failure?
ACARS has a log-on and a log-off protocol. If the log-off protocol was followed it would not raise any suspicions on the ground at the time. However, following the log-off protocol would also show that the system was closed down normally not as a result of some [explosion|fire|MEC access|wild elephant in the hold == choose one]. The wording in the briefings has been quite precise that the ACARS was turned off. The ACARS was also turned off at 1:07 before the aircraft's last transmission to Sebang which by all accounts was laid back and over casual - not I suspect what would be the case if a fire had been raging for 15 minutes or if there had been an explosive decompression. This is why the authorities are saying this must have been 'an inside job'.
The possibility of a rogue pilot is one that ought to have the professional members of this forum extremely concerned. The potential consequential ramifications are significant.