Originally Posted by
EXDAC
My speculation, and it is only speculation, is that turbulence was encountered while a seat swap was in progress and one of those involved in the swap put out a hand to steady themselves and pushed the throttles full forward. Speculation is based on lots of time in flight test where many seats swaps were observed. Who wouldn't have wanted to give the newbie a bit of stick time?
Of course that speculation is meaningless if all crew were found strapped in their appropriate seats.
6,000 feet, MSL, and within 30 miles of destination airport would be a highly inappropriate place to do a seat swap. And, a seat swap with the jump seat rider who was not authorized or qualified to fly the 767?