What happened
On 17 July 2014, the Boeing 777 aircraft operating as flight MH17 experienced an in-flight breakup while traversing Ukrainian airspace. The aircraft was traveling through an area of active conflict near Hrabove, Ukraine, when it was struck by high-energy particles. This event resulted in the total loss of the aircraft and all occupants on board.
The investigation
The Dutch Safety Board conducted an extensive inquiry into the destruction of the aircraft, examining wreckage recovery, flight recorder data, and radar imagery. The investigation focused on two primary areas: the physical causes of the structural failure and the decision-making processes regarding flight operations through conflict zones. Investigators utilized advanced simulations, including ballistic trajectory analysis and numerical modeling of blast loading, to reconstruct the impact of high-energy objects on the fuselage. Furthermore, the inquiry reviewed the management of Ukrainian airspace and the risk assessment protocols used by the operator and various states prior to the flight.