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NTSB Finds Fuel Switches Cutoff in China Eastern Crash

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analysts determined both engine fuel switches were set to cutoff while cruising at 29,000 feet.
China Eastern Flight MU5735 crashed in Guangxi on March 21, 2022, killing all 132 aboard.
Chinese civil aviation authorities have not released a final report, citing national-security reasons.
Former Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigator Neil Campbell said the deliberate shutdown of fuel switches in flight is extremely rare.

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Story summary

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) analysts determined both engine fuel switches were set to cutoff while cruising at 29,000 feet.
China Eastern Flight MU5735 crashed in Guangxi on March 21, 2022, killing all 132 aboard.
Chinese civil aviation authorities have not released a final report, citing national-security reasons.
Former Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigator Neil Campbell said the deliberate shutdown of fuel switches in flight is extremely rare.