Thanks for that,
Picky, I must have walked right past that caption on my way to the big picture (duh, on my part!). Anyway it adds an interesting dimension, as the "smooth edge" is actually inboard of the wing bulkhead and under the lower fuselage. Was there a burn-through
from the wheel-well, or down the inboard RCC "tunnel", or was the TPS also damaged further inboard than just the wing area? It does tend to support the multiple-damage theory, in my view.
Here are a couple of views highlighting the location of that section:
Further thoughts, anyone?
Addendum: This
article in today's Houston Chronicle is worth a read. Must dash - another early start coming up
