RAT/RAM AIR TEMP probe
someone mentioned how the RAT probe couldn't be the possible cause for this crash.
at this time, we still don't know exactly what was wrong or done to rectify the RAT probe issuse (if it was the rat probe).
But.
There is a scenario in which the RAT probe gets heated (as an anti ice measure) on the ground when it is not supposed to be heated.
The system detecting whether the plane is on the ground (known by different names, squat switch, ground shift mechanism, weight on wheel) can be fooled and the plane "thinks" its in the air and starts to heat the probe. It usually means a circuit breaker has been pulled or otherwise not properly set.
I've seen this happen while on the ground. You get erroneous readings of temp.
BUT HERE IS THE RUB...if the Mechanic disabled the current to the RAT PROBE HEATER and did not recognize the problem with GROUND SHIFT MECHANISM...
YOU MIGHT LOSE THE TAKEOFF CONFIGURATION WARNING!!!!! THIS WOULD ALLOW YOU TO ATTEMPT TAKEOFF WITHOUT SLATS/FLAPS!!!! IF THE PILOT FORGOT,there would be no warning.
THIS MIGHT be a viable scenario!!!
OTHERS with MD*80 experience (mine is on the 9) please check and report!!!