The object in the picture doesn't look like 5 m long. More like 2 m. I was thinking maybe it's part of the elevator.

Seems rather that the authorities would be able to take a bow, as this debris would support their working hypothesis of a resting place somewhere in the Indian Ocean. Does not help find the rest of the plane, but validates the Intelsat calculations.

One report said it had a "reference number" on the item, BB670. Maybe a number from the part ID plate?

I don't think this one piece would be enough to suggest anything.

Flap Damage
 

Based on the damage to the edge of the flap in the following picture (and because the apparent flap is the only piece of recovered wreckage), it seems the flap may have been extended when it made contact with the water. Did a controlled landing on the water take place?

http://blog-peuravion.fr/wp-content/...4-12589277.png

OK, I got mixed up. The inboard flap is 5 m long, the flaperon (piece FCC here http://www.ainonline.com/sites/defau...s/777xwind.jpg) is indeed under 3 m and the right size for the piece of wreckage they found.

Hi,

http://i.imgur.com/CuRFrx8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Zyh72MC.png

What you want more ? seems clear ....

Regards.

Serial Numbers and other identifying marks are not really necessary are they? If the part is conclusively identified as from a 777 then it has to be MH370, there are no other relevant hull losses. Some news outlets are stating that Boeing personnel are on their way to Reunion, which would not be happening if there had been any definite evidence excluding MH370. But anybody want to take a bet that if it is from a 777, within hours there'll be suggestions that it was intentionally planted?

Seems consistent with flap down controlled ditching. Mind you AF447 rudder was found in similar condition.

Will it be possible to backtrack the currents to narrow the search area?

The flaperon on a 777 is an inboard (IE high speed) aileron. Not a high lift device such as a flap. Its called a flaperon because when flaps are selected down it droops with the flaps but can still modulate up and down to control roll.

That looks like a flaperon to me, and unless there are more missing 777s that we don't know about. Its a good bet its from MH370.

B777 flaperon or aileron part?
 

The various photos of the piece found appear to show a part more rectangular than a 777 flaperon. The part also appears to be slightly tapered, unlike a flaperon. Maybe it is part of the outer aileron.

If this turns out to be true, it is big news. Finally a trace is found.

A worrying theory that has not been widely publicized, came from US (and other's) intelligence suggesting the aircraft was stolen and was awaiting future use as a part of a terrorist plot. This discovery could allay those fears, particularly if, with newfound resolve, redoubled efforts result in locating the missing aircraft.

very likely 777 flaperon
 

The engineering drawings put the length of the flaperon at 7 feet. It is tapered from narrow at INBD end to wider at O/B end. The data plate which would have the serial number is missing from the INBD end of flaperon. The composite design uses several parts and fasteners plus nutplates. There should be visible part numbers once some panels can be removed. The entire trailing edge wedge of the flaperon is missing. This is the R/H flaperon.

It would not be. I saw part of an engine cowling from the Helderberg that drifted ashore some eighteen months after it went down off Mauritius (next island to Reunion) and washed up in Natal, South Africa. It already had barnacles and other marine growth on it from its journey across the Indian Ocean. After 30 years - no way.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/...s_3391693b.jpg

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/...r_3391483b.jpg

Very obvious a B777 flaperon (the smaller one, not downfolded, in the middle on the photo below)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...psBrake777.JPG

very likely 777
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=BE&v=qvQSllUyti0
see from 0:37

Drift of buoys since march 8th 2014
 

Doesn't seem to help much.

Ship Status Report: callsign 56568: ? sailwx.info
http://s27.postimg.org/mb5q0m1xf/55b942a3_3236_19e.png

Buoy 53592 ? sailwx.info
http://s10.postimg.org/9a6edgfh5/55b94389_5d4c_af.png

rz3 - They are AMM / AIPC drawings for the 777. They are authentic, and they match the photographs very closely.

Marine growth accumulates surprisingly quickly. If anything, this seems fairly clean for something that is supposed to have been in the water for over a year. It is certainly not debris from some long past accident.

If the piece is confirmed as part of MH370, a study of the sea life, that have attached themselves, might provide some further clues.