Re: An Expanded Theory
Belgique,
Your reference to my comments on wind shear affecting the pitot-static system causing erroneous flight instrument indications, while valid in 'upset' accidents are not applicable in the AA 587 accident.
The strength of the clockwise rotating vortices striking the left side of the fin, BROADSIDE, initiated such an instantaneous left yaw motion, and resultant Dutch roll, that the flight instrument readings were of no significance.
Ths instantaneous left yaw then presented the right side of the fin to the slipstream and the same vortices forces on the right side of the tail surfaces. This immediate reversal of the bending forces, exceeding the ultimate load point, sheared off the fin just above the attaching lug connections.
The tremendous forces involved in this radical, instantaneous maneuver were beyond any possible pilot induced flight control, (rudder), input to initiate or recover from. The forces striking the combined surface area of the large vertical stabilizer, (two engine aircraft design), and the rudder, together, was the initiating source of this accident.
Eye witness statement, "The right wing was perpendicular to the ground"!
Any time two engines are sheared off the structure there will be fire, smoke, and explosive noises!
Best regards
Last edited by wsherif1; 30th Jul 2002 at 23:41.