Discovery of Flight QZ8501's Tail Might Have Further Rewards

The word Air from the tail section discovered in the Java Sea

       It would appear that early Wednesday Morning, search and rescue teams have stumbled upon the tail section of AirAsia Flight QZ8501.  This major breakthrough in the case was discovered in the murky waters of the Java Sea, made even more difficult by thunderstorms and high waves.  Divers on sight were able to take the first pictures of what would appear to be the wreckage of the Airbus A320-200.  Why the tail section is so vital in the investigation is because this section contains the flight data and voice recorders, known as the "black boxes".  According to aviation executives, both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders are absolutely crucial in gaining and understanding as to what has happened.  However, it is still quite uncertain if the black boxes are actually contained in this piece of wreckage.  It is improbable, but entirely possible that the flight recorders did come loose during the impact between the plain and the water.  This leads investigators to the realization that the recorders may have "fallen free" of the tail section.  Nevertheless, these possibilities did not prevent AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes from sending out an optimistic tweet announcing that the black boxes "should be there".

       I think the recorders are definitely the most important pieces of evidence when it comes to investigating a case like the one of QZ8501.  It is extremely difficult, if not impossible to formulate a great understanding of what had happened solely based on wreckage from the plane.  Officials are still puzzled by what have brought down a reliable jet-liner with an extremely experienced crew from 36 000 ft in the sky.  The plane had 162 passengers on board and was set to fly from Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore.  Unfortunately the destination would never be realized for those from Indonesia, Britain, France, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.  I think this is especially devastating for families of those onboard, particularly those who had more than one family member onboard the plane.  Many schoolchildren were returning to Singapore after vacationing in Indonesia over the Christmas break.  The devastatement was incredible to those who had lost their friends and classmates.  Still the airline announced their offer of roughly $100 000 USD in addition to the $24 000 initially offered to the families of each member on board.  I do not think that this is enough to compensate for a lost loved one, but then again, what sum of money will.  Of the 40 bodies discovered, only 16 have been identified.  I hope that the families, will be reunitied with their loved ones and come to peace with the fate that they have unfortunately suffered.  

William Deo

Adapted From: 

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/07/asia/airasia-disaster/index.html