“… Research into wake vortex encounters indicates that a loud noise can be associated with entry into the core of the vortex if the geometry is appropriate. ….”
Surely there is a difference between a “loud noise” and a “loud bang”? Does anyone really believe that wake turbulence could cause a loud bang 258 seconds after its formation?
The excerpt below is from the cockpit voice recorder transcript of American Airlines Flight 587. As Wino says, it includes a reference to a “loud bang”. However, it is not the first unusual sound heard, and max power was called for before the “loud bang”.
0915:28.5 HOT-2 [sound similar to yawn] thank you.
0915:36.4 DEP American five eighty seven heavy, turn left, proceed direct WAVEY.
0915:37.3 HOT-1 [sound of brief squeak and a rattle]
0915:41.0 RDO-1 uh, we'll turn direct WAVEY, American five eighty seven heavy.
0915:44.4 HOT-2 left turn direct WAVEY….
0915:44.7 HOT-1 little wake turbulence, huh?
0915:45.6 HOT-2 …yeah.
0915:47.3 HOT-2 [sound similar to five sets of stabilizer trim switch clicks]
0915:48.2 HOT-2 two fifty thank you.
0915:51.8 CAM [sound of a thump]
0915:52.3 CAM [sound of click]
0915:52.9 CAM [sound of two thumps]
0915:54.2 HOT-2 max power. [spoken in strained voice]
0915:55.0 HOT-1 you all right?
0915:55.3 HOT-2 yea, I'm fine.
0915:56.3 HOT-1 hang onto it. hang onto it.
0915:56.6 CAM [sound of snap]
0915:57.5 HOT-2 let's go for power please.
0915:57.7 CAM [sound of loud thump]
0915:58.5 CAM [sound of loud bang]
0916:00.0 HOT-2 [sound similar to human grunt]
0916:00.2 CAM [roaring noise starts and increases in amplitude]
0916:01.0 HOT-2 holy #.
0916:01.0 CAM [sound similar to single ECAM chime]
0916:02.0 CAM [sound similar to single ECAM chime]
0916:04.4 CAM [sound similar to stall warning repetitive chime for 1.9 seconds]
HOT Crewmember hot microphone voice or sound source
RDO Radio transmission from accident aircraft
CAM Cockpit area microphone voice or sound source
# Expletive
Cheers,
