Flight MH17 - Anatomy of a crash | DW Documentary

The Book Missile System, MH17, and the Search for Truth

Key Concepts:

• Buk Missile System (9A310): A Russian-made, self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to engage aircraft.
• MH17: Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, shot down over eastern Ukraine in July 2014, killing all 298 people on board.
• Joint Investigation Team (JIT): A multinational team (Belgium, Malaysia, Netherlands, Ukraine, Australia) investigating the downing of MH17.
• Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR): A self-proclaimed, Russian-backed separatist state in eastern Ukraine.
• 9M38 Missile: The specific missile type identified by the JIT as being used to down MH17.
• 9N314M Warhead: The explosive component of the 9M38 missile, containing preformed iron fragments.
• Code 200: A military code used to denote a casualty (specifically, a body).

I. Introduction: From Children’s Toys to International Crisis

The video begins with a jarring juxtaposition: the repeated word "Heat" and images of the Buk missile system, followed by the revelation that a Russian company is manufacturing children’s beds shaped like the system. This immediately highlights the controversial and politically charged nature of the topic. The initial segment details the Buk system’s capabilities – locating, identifying, and engaging targets with nine M38 missiles, deployable independently or as part of a larger network. It’s presented as a defensive weapon. However, the children’s bed sparks international outrage, with the Guardian referencing the 2014 Boeing disaster over Donbas, where Russia is accused of using a Buk missile to shoot down MH17. The manufacturer, distancing themselves from political implications, rebrands the bed as a “Missile Launcher the Defender” due to criticism.

II. The Downed Aircraft & Initial Reports (2014)

The video presents fragmented reports from 2014 following the downing of a plane, initially believed to be a Ukrainian Air Force aircraft by DPR militias. Reports detail the plane crashing near a mine, with numerous casualties, including civilians. Initial assessments indicate the aircraft was a passenger plane, with debris including personal belongings and no signs of weaponry. A report mentions finding documents belonging to an Indonesian student. The narrative quickly shifts to the possibility of a Malaysian plane being hit, with descriptions of bodies, torn suitcases, and a visible fireball. A key quote from a militia member: “It’s definitely a passenger plane. A hell of a lot [of people]. Debbie fell right into people's yards.” The video also includes a chilling statement: “The target has been destroyed.”

III. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) Findings & Evidence

A significant portion of the video focuses on the JIT’s investigation into the MH17 disaster. Peter Crosia of the Australian Federal Police introduces the team’s work, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation and the cooperation between Belgium, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Australia. Key findings presented include:

• Flight Path: MH17 deviated from its original course to avoid thunderstorms.
• Weapon Used: The plane was downed by a 9N314M warhead carried on a 9M38 series missile from a Buk system.
• Impact: Approximately 800 preformed fragments from the warhead perforated the aircraft, many found in the bodies of the cockpit crew.
• Paint Analysis: Paint on the fragments matched paint on recovered missile parts.
• Reconstruction: A three-dimensional reconstruction of the forward section of the plane confirmed the missile strike.
• Exclusion of Other Scenarios: The JIT concluded that no other scenario could explain the observed damage.

The JIT conducted a unique experiment using an IL-86 aircraft to simulate the impact, providing data on the damage patterns.

IV. Russian Counter-Claims & Allegations of Falsification

The video then presents the Russian perspective, which directly challenges the JIT’s findings. Russian specialists claim the JIT’s conclusions are flawed and that the experiment using the IL-86 aircraft refuted the JIT’s claims. Specifically, they argue:

• Experiment Discrepancies: The IL-86 showed no damage to the left engine, contradicting the JIT’s findings.
• Missing “Butterfly” Fragments: The JIT reported finding “double T” fragments (leaving butterfly-shaped holes) on the wreckage, but these were not found on the actual MH17 debris.
• Convoy Tracking: The Russian Ministry of Defense tracked a convoy of Buk systems from the 53rd Brigade near Kursk, Russia, towards the Ukrainian border, providing photographic and video evidence. They claim this proves the system originated in Russia.
• Video Falsification: Russian experts allege that video evidence presented by the JIT showing the Buk launcher in Ukraine was digitally manipulated, citing inconsistencies in linear perspective. They claim a tow truck and the image of the Buk launcher were added to a pre-existing video.
• Alternative Theories: The Russian narrative suggests MH17 was shot down by a Ukrainian fighter jet or even exploded internally, citing a recording of a pilot reporting an explosion.

A quote from a Russian official: “The US State Department should stop lying. The Netherlands should stop lying.”

V. Political Dimensions & Victim Testimony

The video highlights the political complexities surrounding the investigation. A discussion with a representative of the Dutch side reveals the economic ties between Europe and Russia, suggesting potential compromises in the pursuit of justice. The representative states: “It was from the beginning a political case… when you have countries involved economically as well, you have the feeling that they are making deals with each other.”

The video also includes poignant testimony from a victim’s relative, Robbie Ours, who lost his cousin and her boyfriend on MH17. He describes visiting the crash site and identifying debris, emphasizing the emotional impact and his conviction that the evidence points to a missile strike. He states: “I saw the shrapnel. I’m ex-military. I know exactly what a bullet hole is or what a shredder hole is… I saw the documents from the transport of the Buk installation from Russia.”

VI. Concluding Remarks & the Pursuit of Justice

The video concludes with a reiteration of the ongoing investigation and the planned trial in the Netherlands. A quote from Alexander Sultan is presented: “Violence has no way to conceal itself except by lies and lies have no way to maintain themselves except through violence.” The video emphasizes the importance of establishing the truth to prevent future violence. The final images and repeated "Heat" sounds underscore the unresolved tension and the enduring pain of the tragedy. The lack of radar data from Ukraine is also briefly mentioned as a factor in the investigation.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM): A missile designed to be launched from the ground or sea to destroy aircraft.
• Warhead: The explosive component of a missile.
• Preformed Iron Fragments: Small, shaped pieces of metal embedded in the warhead to maximize damage.
• Linear Perspective: A technique used in art to create the illusion of depth on a flat surface.
• Radar Data: Information gathered by radar systems, used to track the movement of objects.

This video presents a complex and highly contested narrative surrounding the downing of MH17. It showcases the conflicting evidence and perspectives from both the JIT and the Russian side, highlighting the political and emotional weight of the tragedy. The video doesn’t offer a definitive answer but underscores the ongoing search for truth and accountability.