Crew members of the Indonesian Navy ship KRI Bung Tomo display parts of AirAsia QZ8501and passenger belongings they recovered from the Java Sea at the Naval Base in Surabaya January 5, 2015.[Photo/Agencies] |
WHERE ARE THE BODIES AND DEBRIS?
A massive international search effort involving planes, ships and helicopters continues despite heavy rain, high waves and strong currents. So far, only around three dozen bodies have been recovered, some still strapped into their seats. Sonar has identified what is believed to be five large parts of the plane on the seafloor, but rough conditions along with mud and silt have kept divers from getting a clear visual on it.
WAS THE PLANE AUTHORIZED TO FLY?
Indonesia has launched an investigation into AirAsia's operating practices after alleging the low-cost carrier did not have permits to fly from Surabaya to Singapore on Sundays, the day the plane crashed. All of the carrier's flights on that route have since been canceled. The Transportation Ministry also has suspended officials who allowed the plane to fly without authorization, including the Surabaya airport's operator and officials in the control tower. AirAsia has declined to comment until the evaluation is completed.