Not Known If The Deviation Was Entered Before Or After Takeoff

In another twist in the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, U.S. officials now say it is likely that the course change that took place as it traveled towards Beijing was programmed into the airplane's FMS, though it is not known if that reprogramming occurred before or after takeoff.

The New York Times cites "senior American officials" who say that the course change was entered into the FMS by someone "knowledgeable" about the Boeing 777's systems. That has caused investigators to look into the possibility of foul play, and focus again on the flight deck crew.

The FMS reportedly transmitted data via the company's ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) to a maintenance base before the ACARS become inoperative. That was about the same time voice communications with the aircraft were lost and the transponder stopped working.

Investigators say a waypoint was added to the established route of flight that was far off the course to Beijing. They also say that it is very unlikely that a passenger would have had the requisite knowledge to make those changes in the FMS.

Authorities have seized a flight simulator that was in the home of the pilot to determine if he had practiced taking down an airliner before making the flight. That information has not yet been made available to American investigators, the paper reported.

(Malaysia Airlines 777 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.dca.gov.my