The discussion on the VS implies a "breakaway line" or a fracture some distance from the attach points on the fuselage. I have taken a close look at the photos supplied earlier today and have enlarged one section, (lower, center) of one photograph to see if the structure in the middle of the photo is a mounting lug or if it is part of the recovery gear etc. I have inserted a photo of the AA587 fin lug for comparison.
I am not suggesting or concluding here but using the newly-available photos to examine further evidence of how the structure fractured. Although the alternatives are fairly limited, nor can we draw conclusions about how, when or why the vertical stabilizer is separated from the main structure. I am merely trying to identify a possible attach point to possibly address the partial failure suggestion seen a few posts back. PJ2.
Imageshack - vsertstablugdetailposco.jpg
...in "negative" form, for slightly better clarity:
Imageshack - vsertstablugdetailnegco.jpg
