Originally Posted by NigelOnDraft
2 systems seem to have "failed". One was deployment of Flaps. One was TOWS. One is critical, one is supplementary...
Sorry NOD, but if you use words as above, that is the same ambiguity present in the preliminary report and various press pieces.
1) The flap system has NOT FAILED. evidence so far suggests that pilots have NOT set flaps.
2) The TOWS system HAS FAILED. Due to R2-5 malfunction,
3) Maintenance has FAILED to detect and address (2).
Regarding the comment about 90% of engineers would have done (3) same as in Madrid. I have a problem in believing so, but if it's true that makes me happy that I'm not a Pilot and I don't fly that often after all.
All the rest I agree with you.