PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Challenger missing in Mexico
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Old 7th May 2019, 13:49
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pattern_is_full
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Denver
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The tight wreckage pattern is consistent with a belly-flop or stall. All 4 corners are present, so no breakup in flight.

Of course, it remains an open question whether they stalled high and just rode it down (AF447) or stalled down low in a pull-out attempt.

And just a side note that certified ceiling is often based on pressurization differential, not just aerodynamics.
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