NTSB Data Analysis of China Eastern Flight MU5735 Crash

May 5, 2026, 08:07
ChinaInternational

Introduction

New data from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that the fuel supply was cut off during the 2022 crash of a China Eastern Boeing 737.

Main Body

The accident happened on March 21, 2022, on flight MU5735 traveling from Kunming to Guangzhou. According to flight data, the plane dropped from about 29,100 feet to 9,075 feet in only 135 seconds before hitting a hillside in the Guangxi region. Consequently, all 132 people on board died, and the aircraft broke into approximately 40,000 pieces. Technical analysis of the flight recorders reveals that the fuel switches for both engines were moved to the 'cut-off' position while the plane was cruising. This action caused the engine speeds to drop. Aviation experts emphasized that this move does not follow standard flight procedures and is not typical of a mechanical failure. Furthermore, air traffic controllers reported that the cockpit stopped communicating entirely during the descent. Responses to these findings differ between organizations. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAA) has not released a final report, asserting that doing so could risk national security. While the CAA confirmed that the pilots had the correct licenses and health clearances, it has denied claims that the pilot committed suicide, calling such reports misleading. The NTSB is involved in the investigation because the Boeing 737 is an American-made aircraft.

Conclusion

The NTSB data suggests that the fuel was shut off by a person, although the Chinese government has not officially confirmed the cause of the crash.

Learning

πŸš€ The 'Logic Glue': Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Transition Markers. These are words that act as 'glue,' showing the reader how two ideas are connected logically.

Look at these specific shifts from the text:

πŸ“‰ Cause & Effect (The 'Result' Link)

Instead of saying "The plane fell and then everyone died," the text uses:

"Consequently, all 132 people on board died..."

The B2 Upgrade: Use Consequently or Therefore when one event directly causes another. It sounds professional and precise.

βž• Adding Weight (The 'Extra' Link)

Instead of saying "Also, the cockpit stopped talking," the text uses:

"Furthermore, air traffic controllers reported..."

The B2 Upgrade: Furthermore is used when you are adding a new, important piece of evidence to support your point. It's stronger than also.

βš–οΈ The Contrast (The 'Opposite' Link)

Instead of saying "The CAA says no, but the NTSB says yes," the text uses:

"While the CAA confirmed... it has denied claims..."

The B2 Upgrade: Starting a sentence with While allows you to compare two opposing facts in one single, complex sentence. This is a hallmark of B2 fluency.

Quick Reference Summary for your Writing:

A2 Wordβž”B2 Bridge WordPurpose
Soβž”ConsequentlyShowing a result
Alsoβž”FurthermoreAdding more info
Butβž”While / HoweverShowing a difference

Vocabulary Learning

accident (n.)
an unexpected event that causes damage or injury
Example:The plane's accident left many families devastated.
crash (n.)
an abrupt collision or fall
Example:The aircraft crashed into the hillside.
fuel (n.)
a substance used to produce power or heat
Example:The fuel supply was cut off during the flight.
engines (n.)
machines that convert energy into motion
Example:Both engines stopped after the fuel switches were moved.
cruising (v.)
traveling at a steady speed
Example:The plane was cruising when the fuel switches were moved.
procedure (n.)
a set of steps to follow
Example:The move did not follow standard flight procedures.
failure (n.)
a lack of success or a breakdown
Example:The investigators ruled out mechanical failure.
controller (n.)
a person who directs traffic
Example:Air traffic controllers reported the cockpit stopped communicating.
communication (n.)
the act of exchanging information
Example:The cockpit had no communication during the descent.
descent (n.)
the act of coming down
Example:The plane descended rapidly.
response (n.)
an answer or reaction
Example:The responses to the findings differed between organizations.
organization (n.)
a group with a particular purpose
Example:The Civil Aviation Administration is an organization.
administration (n.)
the management of an organization
Example:The Civil Aviation Administration of China.
risk (n.)
the chance of loss or harm
Example:The report could risk national security.
security (n.)
protection from danger
Example:The report could risk national security.
license (n.)
official permission to do something
Example:The pilots had the correct licenses.
clearance (n.)
official approval or permission
Example:The pilots had health clearances.
denied (v.)
refused to accept or admit
Example:The CAA denied the claim of suicide.
claim (n.)
an assertion or statement
Example:The claim that the pilot committed suicide was denied.
suicide (n.)
self-harm leading to death
Example:The report denied the suicide claim.
investigation (n.)
the process of examining or studying
Example:The NTSB is involved in the investigation.
data (n.)
facts or information collected for analysis
Example:The NTSB data suggests the fuel was shut off.
suggests (v.)
indicates or implies
Example:The data suggests the fuel was shut off.
shut off (v.)
to stop the supply of something
Example:The fuel was shut off by a person.
officially (adv.)
formally or by an official authority
Example:The government has not officially confirmed the cause.
confirm (v.)
to verify or establish as true
Example:They have not confirmed the crash cause.
plane (n.)
a powered aircraft that flies through the air
Example:The plane crashed into the hillside.
flight (n.)
the act of traveling through the air
Example:The flight data shows the plane dropped rapidly.