Originally Posted by Coagie
How do you know it didn't burn itself out before doing too much damage? The plane could have flown itself until it's fuel was exhausted.
Does not explain anything as a fire to destroy all communication etc would also render the plane's hydraulic systems and electrics to fail too, making the plane unable to continue flying for long.
Seriously, how can you believe such a theory when it turned around as we know, but not towards the airport?
Compare that to other major fires where communication of the situation on board was relayed to ATC (SR111 & SA295).