Originally Posted by A Squared
Quote: do we have an initial impact elevation?
The terrain in the vicinity of where the airplane started hitting trees is between 750 and 800 ft MSL. Trying to define it any closer than that without actually being there and measuring thing would be futile.
Comparing it to the topography map the first trees hit are on an elevation of 790 to 810 and the first trees are the smaller 40-50 foot tall variety. Google Earth appears to estimate 20 feet higher compared the topo. The second larger tree in front of the house is probably 30-40 feet lower in elevation, but nearly that much taller too. By that time the elevation had deteriorated another 20-30 feet based on it being topped off there. The hill elevation is 790 to 810.
This is based on the topo, and me actually taking a look at the site... so they were not below rwy elevation, but MDA is another matter....