mm43
I believe failure signatures on the Rudder hinges are due to aerodynamic loading, not impact with the sea. What is the Rudder Limit in Alt Law II?
It does not matter, as the stress on the Rudder needn't have been the result of it's angle relative to the VS. Severe Yaw is sufficient to fail the rudder's hinges, even with it centered.
I've often wondered why the Rudder's hingeing system is built (overbuilt), with such care. An aircraft can fly and land without a Rudder, it cannot fly at all without a Vertical Stabiliser. Such irony in AA587, the Rudder stayed attached, the VS came off. In the case of 587, if it was indeed FO's feet that snapped the life out of his a/c, a shame the Rudder hadn't fallen off, to leave the VS attached, and take them home.
Yes, I believe the Spoiler was lost before impact.
JD-EE
Sir, would you enlarge on your statement "Swatted the a/c out of the air"? I'm not getting it.
bear