Originally Posted by jcarlosgon
Rudder Limiter. Fast Vertical Speed fall. Did the vertical stab last untill impact?
So far, all the rudder damages analyzed were fully consistent with an impact as it is described by the investigators findings. But one is free to believe whatever theory he likes more than any stuctural analysis (instead of checking all the published reports about it).
The structural analysis is telling that the damages were mostly due to vertical compression all over the airframe (and symetrical) with secondary horizontal forces and very few rotational forces. It doesn't mean "Fast vertical speed fall" but that the vertical pressure was higher than horizontal forces.
This is consistent with a stalled level slightly pitched up airframe at impact.
Now, what caused this end stall?
Did this aircraft departed from controled flight at cruise level or did something else happened in between that we are still not aware of?