ACARS / Satellite Signal Failure
Hi folks.
As to the ACARS, we know for sure that at least one message would have been sent by the aircraft (60 seconds after preceding event) that should have been received between 2h15m00s and 2h15m14s. (BEA Report, 17-12-2009, p 36ff)
At least BEA will know by now (FDR), whether this non-occurrence of the expected class 2 fault message is due to (1) the sudden end of the flight at that point in time or due to (2) satellite communication issues in the storm or even (3) fatal electronic failures in the aircraft.
BEA reported a minor technical issue with the radio management panel at takeoff from Rio, but it appears insignificant as it has not been followed up by further info (at least to my knowledge). (BEA Report, 02-07-2009, p. 70)
Perhaps we will find out during the announced press conference this upcoming week, why and how the flight met its tragic end only about 6nm from the LKP at 02h10m, despite the operations center receiving messages until 02h.14m.26s (important: we cannot conclude that it was transmitting until then!).
In fact, we know little more than three months ago, and the recovery of the CVR and FDR this close to the LKP has raised more questions than it provided answers. Based on the sea drifts, we know at least that the calculations with regard to the point of impact by the US Coast Guard, the Brazilian Navy and the US Navy (BEA Report 17-12-2009, p. 80) appear to have been very accurate back then.