FBW;
A simple knowledge of mechanics tells us that a large sideways force was exerted on the VS at some unknown instant, generating a bending moment sufficient to fail either the bolts or the lugs (or a combination of both) holding it to the fuselage. It is not clear from the photographs whether the lugs or the bolts failed.
Yes, I think so and agree. That was the only reason I wanted to work a bit on the photos of the VS - to see if that one area in the photo was sufficient to show the lug structure or not. I think it does but it's just indefinite enough to cast a bit of doubt so I posted it to see what others thought.
Re Dani's comment,
I think that was part of what PJ2 was getting at.
Exactly, and from ManAdaSystems regarding "pumping of the rudder":
I just don't see why they would have to do that, that's all.
Like Rainboe...we'll leave online personalities out of this, thanks. I was blunt perhaps, for which I apologize, but really, you simply don't know that any such crew action took place.
grizzled - thanks. I post only to deal with "what is" because I think it is important to be very careful where conlusions, even one's that seem reasonable, go. Until today, there has not been anything new, ergo, no reason to post.