Quote:
Originally Posted by Nesti
If you look at image AF447 10, the schematic, note the three structural mounting points of the vert stab to the empennage. Now in image AF447 1&2, note that the forward mount has sheared, and the second and third mount did not fail, but have torn away the structural bulkhead within the empennage itself. Also, note in the series of images that the leading edge of the vert stab has no damage from debris hitting it whatsoever, yet the lower rear of the rudder has been crushed. This allows us to suggest that the vert stab was torn away from the empennage along the longitudinal axis, pulled rearward with the top rotating aft.
These are strong indicators that the vert stab failed BEFORE the aircraft broke up and well before impact with the water. From the age and flying hours of the airframe, I can only envisage this was due to dynamic air loads, exceeding, by at least 30%, the aircraft's VNE (velocity never exceed). If true, it is possible that uncorrectable yawing into excessive air loads may have caused the fuselage structural failure aft of the wings.
Note the wreckage, in particular the crew [jump] seats, still in good order, without impact damage, and still sprung up in the closed position. Internal, cosmetic panels such as overhead locker doors, although torn off, have little if any impact damage. In one image, the entire galley section is in one piece, stowage containers and all!
This seems to have all the hallmarks of a fly-by-wire [flight computer] failure.
Mark
|
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/home/m...light-447.html
August 2008 - Air Caraibes Atlantique
Paris to Martinique
Plane flying through turbulence experiences failure of autopilot, ADIRU and computerised instruments. Pilots successfully fight to restore control.
September 2008 - Air Caraibes Atlantique
Paris to Martinique
Second Air Caraibes flight to Martinique has identical experience. Plane is same model, different aircraft.
October 7, 2008 - Qantas Flight 72
Singapore to Perth
Makes emergency landing after twice plunging uncontrollably in flight following failure of ADIRU, autopilot and instruments. 64 injured, 14 seriously.
December 28, 2008 - Qantas Flight 71
Perth to Singapore
Forced to return to base after failure of autopilot and ADIRU. Different aircraft, same model as in previous incident.
May 21, 2009 - TAM Flight 8901
Miami to Sao Paulo
Experiences failure of autopilot, ADIRU and instruments. Crew regain control after five minutes. No injuries.
US investigation under way.
June 1, 2009 - Air France Flight 447
Rio to Paris
Crashes during Atlantic storm, killing 228. Automatic radio messages indicate that in minutes before crash, crew lost autopilot, ADIRU and computerised instruments.
June 23, 2009 - Northwest Airlines
Hong Kong to Tokyo
Flight loses autopilot, ADIRU and instruments before landing safely. US investigation under way.