[saminfl]

Malaysia would be looking for the black box and concrete proof that a suicide attack was underway before admitting to any shootdown - even if it takes months. If the story somehow comes out before they have proof the shootdown was necessary, the second-guessing is going to be overwhelming.

How does the black box pinger work? Who receives the ping?

[USAF80]

The black (orange colored) box has an underwater beacon that is water activated. There is also an emergency beacon that can be picked up by other aircraft, ships etc if not submerged. The batteries have to be good though. Not sure is the airline in question has good maintenance practices.