Originally Posted by
Clandestino
I'd like to ask future contributors to this thread to read NTSB report before contributing, thank you. It might help with improving signal-to-noise ratio.
If you're just reading this thread and wondering WTH was all rant in previous posts about, let me clear some misconceptions: AA587's fin wasn't ripped off by wake turbulence, it didn't fail because it was too weak and it wasn't rudder input alone that tore it either. It failed because of overload which was caused by massive sideslip and rudder deflection. Sideslip was created by rapidly alternating rudder movements. Examination of wreckage, FDR data, witnesses and airplane characteristics lead NTSB to conclusion that rudder input was commanded by PF, and not a result of control circuit failure.
Finally! A voice of reasoned professionalism. Thank you, sir!