San Francisco Plane Crash Prompts Conspiracy Theories

Just days after the San Francisco plane crash – and before the facts of the investigation have been released – conspiracy theories have begun to surface regarding the incident.

Let’s take a look at some of the early conspiracy theories involving Asiana Airlines Flight 214 which crash landed on July 6.

Terrorism

The conspiracy theorist’s argument for terrorism states that the pilots on flight 214 were too experienced, and that some are airline officials may have already stated that mechanical problems were unlikely. These facts have prompted some conspiracy theorists to point to terrorism – despite the fact that there has been no evidence to support this claim, no such suggestions by experts, nor any such claims by terrorist groups. The FBI also ruled out terrorism.

Facebook Executive

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg was originally scheduled to be on flight 214, but changed flights at the last minute. She explained the circumstances in a public Facebook post, but this hasn’t stopped conspiracy theorists from implying that somehow Sandberg may have been “tipped off” at the last minute. Why, they ask, would a wealthy Facebook executive even bother using flight miles?

Sandberg explained her last-minute itinerary change:

Taking a minute to be thankful and explain what happened. My family, colleagues Debbie Frost, Charlton Gholson and Kelly Hoffman and I were originally going to take the Asiana flight that just crash-landed. We switched to United so we could use miles for my family’s tickets. Our flight was scheduled to come in at the same time, but we were early and landed about 20 minutes before the crash. Our friend Dave David Eun was on the Asiana flight and he is fine.

Thank you to everyone who is reaching out – and sorry if we worried anyone.

Serious moment to give thanks.

Snowden Connection

It has been suggested that it’s more than just coincidence that an Asian plane crashed only weeks after China aided NSA whistle blower Edward Snowden, and that the only victims were Chinese.

Bottom Line

The investigation is ongoing, and there is currently no evidence of foul play involving Asiana Airlines Flight 214.