mansfield is quite right...the DC9 and MD80 series (probably ninety series too) has mirrors to view the standby compass...ala Charles Lindbergh and the spirit of st. louis.
Having flown in and out of ROA, I will say its a tough airport...and IF memory serves it is one of the "special" airports in the USA due to terrain.
I don't think they could see smoke in the mirrors though...I'll bet the tower saw it and radioed...but who knows?
anyone at that airline know a guy named Jim Hubbard?