Originally Posted by SC
The aircraft (Boeing) could not be manually controlled due to erroneous air data readings.
- I know not about the 777 (nor Airbus), but certainly up to that model ALL Boeings can ALWAYS be 'manully controlled' in that situation. It is not easy, by any means, due to misleading and confusing instrument readings, but it is something we practice in the simulator with success. There are specific Boeing procedures and settings for crews to help with this, and I would expect the AB to be the same.
IF the problem was a taped over static port, it must surely have shown itself earlier in the flight, so there should be discernable data? It would result in an increasing airspeed indication during descent which, I suppose, could have caused the auto system to reduce actual speed to compensate until Alpha Floor AoA was reached? As to why this may have caused loss of control, I know not - any AB folk to comment? I appreciate that the unexpected onset of TOGA could cause a huge pitch up but I thought the AB control system was designed to cope with that - unless of course it was being flown manually.
I have not read right back in the thread, but do we know the wx conditions prevailing around the crash site?