What was meant by BEA in talking about low forward speed and high vertical descent rate? When I first read it, I took it to mean low forward speed compared with the normal cruise, and high vertical descent rates compare with the normal approach descent rate.
I certainly did not take it that the vertical descent rate could be as high or higher than the forward speed on impact.
Could the relatively undamaged state of the internal rack/cupboard be consistent with a vertical descent at hundred knots? Is the damage to the recovered bodies in any way indicative of such a relatively high descent rate?
Chris N