BOF could be one of many people. I suspect that the least likely candidates would be be people on duty for the flight as they would likely have been instructed to stay silent.
Deadheaders, copers, retirees or relatives can make up a large pool of candidates who both know the staff and company issues and share their stories with other copers. BOF may even not have been on the flight, but could be a significant other who feels he or she is beyond the reach of HR.