Originally Posted by
RTM Boy
If I've learned anything in life, it's not to jump to conclusions, least of all based on eyewitnesses. The CVR and FDR should answer most of the questions. Mine you I still can think of no good reason why with the technology now available internal and external video recording is not also captured on all new airframes.
I absolutely agree and that's why I was trying to articulate the difference between an eye witness and an "ear" witness
. Obviously it's not possible to have total certainty but generically memory based on an aural cue will be stronger, especially when it's tied to a visual memory. It's somewhat similar to various "memory hacks". The fact that the primary memory is aural and that the engines didn't sound right is much more important since the witnesses have a strong recollection of what is "normal" aurally. Now it is entirely possible that what was "wrong" is simply engines at a significantly higher power output...but if all four have a clear independent recollection of sound and a visual image of white smoke associated with it then it's highly probable that there is an underlying truth....