Originally Posted by Chris Scott
Note that this BEA description does not specify that an alpha of 17.5 deg will be achieved if the pilot maintains full back-stick.
The BEA does not elaborate at all but applying full back stick is what it takes to go to alpha max.
Some readers may be surprised to learn that at t = 0 (defined as impact) the stick was still not fully back. IIRC, full deflection is 20 degrees. The last recorded stick position was -17 deg (17 deg nose-up command)
Full deflection in roll is 20 deg but 16 in pitch. The stick was fully back.