Experts use drift modeling to define new MH370 search zone

Experts searching for the missing Malaysian airliner are attempting to define a new search area by studying the most likely place where a wing flap from the lost Boeing 777 originated from in the Indian Ocean, the new leader of the search said.

Officials are reportedly planning the next phase of the deep-sea sonar search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in case the current two-year search of 120,000 square kilometers turns up nothing, Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Greg Hood said.

Hood took over leadership of the bureau last month.

However, Associated Press news agency reports that a new search would require a new funding commitment, with Malaysia, Australia and China agreeing in July that the $160 million (€141 million) search will be suspended once the current stretch of ocean southwest of Australia is exhausted unless new evidence emerges.