Wing part found in Mauritius from Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
Experts used a "unique" number on the wing part to link it to the jet which went missing in March 2014 with 239 people on board.
09:01, UK,Friday 07 October 2016
Image Caption:Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished with 239 people on board on 8 March, 2014
Authorities have confirmed debris found on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius came from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
The piece of a wing flap was found in May and analysed by experts at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The team has been spearheading the search for the plane in a remote stretch of the sea off Australia's west coast.
The plane went missing on 8 March, 2014, with 239 passengers and crew on board soon after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing.
I
Authorities have confirmed debris found on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius came from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
The piece of a wing flap was found in May and analysed by experts at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The team has been spearheading the search for the plane in a remote stretch of the sea off Australia's west coast.
The plane went missing on 8 March, 2014, with 239 passengers and crew on board soon after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, bound for Beijing.
I
mage Caption:Charred debris which washed up in Madagascar
Investigators used a part number found on the debris to link it to the missing Boeing 777, the ATSB said in a statement.
It added another "unique work order number" assigned by the flap manufacturer corresponded to MH370.
The identification was also confirmed by Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
Several pieces of wreckage from the missing jet have washed ashore on coastlines.
Last month, charred debris, possibly belonging to the missing jet, was handed to the ATSB, fuelling speculation of a flash fire which has subsequently reportedly been quashed.
Video:2014: What Could Have Happened to MH370?
It was gathered by Blaine Gibson, an American amateur investigator, who said the material, which had washed up in Madagascar, included what appeared to be an internal panel.
Investigators previously confirmed a piece of debris found on the French island of Reunion in July 2015 was also part of MH370.
A large piece of aircraft debris - an outboard flap - found on the island if Pemba, off Tanzania, in June was also confirmed as from the missing aircraft.
Investigators are also examining a piece found in Mozambique, in southern Africa.
Image Caption:Outboard flap of missing Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 found in Tanzania Pic: ATSB
So far, none of the debris has helped narrow down the precise location of the main underwater wreckage.
A search of a 120,000sq km (46,000sq mile) zone in the Indian Ocean is due to end in December.
Relatives have called on the investigating nations - Australia, China and Malaysia - to do more to uncover evidence, expressing frustration that the search so far has turned up little credible information.
However, a new search would require more funding and the countries said in July that the hunt will be suspended after the final sweep unless fresh evidence emerges that would pinpoint a specific location of the missing jet.
Investigators used a part number found on the debris to link it to the missing Boeing 777, the ATSB said in a statement.
It added another "unique work order number" assigned by the flap manufacturer corresponded to MH370.
The identification was also confirmed by Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
Several pieces of wreckage from the missing jet have washed ashore on coastlines.
Last month, charred debris, possibly belonging to the missing jet, was handed to the ATSB, fuelling speculation of a flash fire which has subsequently reportedly been quashed.
Video:2014: What Could Have Happened to MH370?It was gathered by Blaine Gibson, an American amateur investigator, who said the material, which had washed up in Madagascar, included what appeared to be an internal panel.
Investigators previously confirmed a piece of debris found on the French island of Reunion in July 2015 was also part of MH370.
A large piece of aircraft debris - an outboard flap - found on the island if Pemba, off Tanzania, in June was also confirmed as from the missing aircraft.
Investigators are also examining a piece found in Mozambique, in southern Africa.
Image Caption:Outboard flap of missing Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 found in Tanzania Pic: ATSBSo far, none of the debris has helped narrow down the precise location of the main underwater wreckage.
A search of a 120,000sq km (46,000sq mile) zone in the Indian Ocean is due to end in December.
Relatives have called on the investigating nations - Australia, China and Malaysia - to do more to uncover evidence, expressing frustration that the search so far has turned up little credible information.
However, a new search would require more funding and the countries said in July that the hunt will be suspended after the final sweep unless fresh evidence emerges that would pinpoint a specific location of the missing jet.
