Hi,
Harry Mann: Irrespective of speculation on mode of ejection, injuries etc.... it would be expected to a high probability that most/all would be seat-belted in 'strong turbulence', as reported shortly before.
The BEA pointed that she was flying at cruise settings Mach 0.82 @ 0210Z and autothrust was ON (self-disconnected at 0210Z); unlikely a 'fortes turbulences' mode which would be at reduced speed to Mach 0.80 and autothrust OFF (like in Air Caraibes case). See my first hypothesis post about the so-called 'fortes turbulences' report issued at 0200Z.
In a note dated on 6 Nov. 2008, Air France informed its crews of speed discrepancy problems with its A330/340 Fleet:
http://www.eurocockpit.com/docs/OSVAF.pdf
- loss of airspeed data;
- numerous ECAM messages displayed;
- configuration warnings (sometime)
The turbulence context is specified for 6 flights:
- Turbulences 'light to moderate'
- 2 cases with 'Fortes Turbulences' and 'MSS/Turbulence' applied.
So, if the 'fortes turbulences' occured (who know?), they would came at the same time of the pitots freezing or later.
S~
Olivier