Originally Posted by
wallybird7
7) Uncommanded 7000 fpm climb. Despite the plane being at it’s maximum cruising altitude. Evidence of 60-70 kt updrafts according to meteorological analysis.
8) Airspeed falling to below 60 kts.
9) Flight controls ineffective below 120 kts.
Although I don't disagree with much of what you wrote these items warrant some comments.
- Uncommanded climb:
Unsure what you consider uncommanded. BEA note stating that PF commanded NU on the stick prior to this climb points to the fact that it was at least not completely uncommanded although we don't know if it was deliberate (potentially not).
- Evidence of 60-70kts updraft:
I'm not aware of any indication/confirmation that the plane encountered significant updraft.
- Aispeed falling to 60kts:
Almost surely only the measured speed in the pitot due to stall of the airflow into the pitot. AoA during descent + descent rate points towards a horizontal airspeed >120kts until very shortly prior to impact where it decreased to 107kts.
- Flight Control ineffective below 120kts: Im not aware we have any positive confirmation for this although it is reasonable to assume that their effectiveness will be reduced below that speed.