MH370 and MH17

While my book on MH370 will be published tomorrow, kindly consider these points below that come to mind after hearing and reading all the news on these two events so far:

1. Within days of MH370 disappearing, we heard from the US authorities that their spy satellites have the capability to monitor “atmospheric explosions” and that no such explosion was recorded on the night of 08 March. In the case of MH17, while US has taken a strong line accusing Russia for a “missile attack” by Russian supported Ukrainian rebels, it has not stated one word about what its satellites recorded. Emails to US authorities on this subject have also not been answered. 
2. If the MH17 was actually shot down by a missile in a war-zone, it is highly unlikely that the area was not under all kinds of satellite coverage. The satellites should have recorded the explosion and then that should then be presented as a conclusive evidence of the attack. I find it very, very surprising that while allegations continue to be traded, not one shred of any evidence of an atmospheric explosion has yet been provided. 
3. This makes me doubt the popular theory on the loss of MH17. The audio and Video recordings (about conversations between the rebels and missile truck movements) that are being aired on BBC and CNN are too convenient. Things in real life are never so simple and one sided. As an accident investigator, I have been taught to question and to weigh, not count, the evidence…and the evidence available seems to weigh very light! 

So, in the final analysis, I do believe that the US and Europe are too quick in blaming the event on a rebel missile attack. They are merely looking to use this event as a tool to pressurize Russia. There is yet no evidence of a missile attack and we have no idea what brought this plane down. The line of attack being taken will not serve the purpose of bringing out the truth, which is what needs to be the focus of any accident investigation. Not to say that I don’t believe the plane could have been shot down as alleged, but only to say that this is merely one of the many theories and presently there is no evidence to support it.

The purpose of any accident investigation is to arrive at the truth, so that another accident can be avoided. With President Obama and other European Heads of State all making statements on the missile attack even before the investigation has started, I fear we are already in a situation where any investigation will need to arrive at a conclusion of a missile attack just to just to save the faces of these all-important 'leaders'.

One wonders if it was a structural failure, or even a collision with a US or European drone that brought this aircraft down? In that case, unless we arrive at the truth and take corrective action, very soon yet another aircraft will be brought down for the very same reasons!

It is also surprising that Russia, and President Putin, have not yet asked for this evidence. Do they have something to hide? Do they not have faith and belief in the rebels who they support?

At this time, it is very important that Russia uses all its influence to permit an international investigation...one that also involves Russian investigators. And US/Europe tone down the accusations and save their breath to continue to insist on this fair and independent international investigation to be conducted professionally so that the true cause can be established. If that cause does emerge to be a missile strike, then they can do whatever they want to prevent another, but not until that has been proved can these baseless allegations be permitted to continue. If they have evidence of an atmospheric explosion, they need to present that to the world. If they don't, they need to explain why not!

Best Regards,

The Erring Human.