aardvark2zz,
Interesting thinking. Yes,
perhaps such radical approach to the situation may have resulted in a different outcome.
But how realistic or professional is it of a crew to go into an insane dive at or near Vne, with an MD11 at that, scud running to the nearest airport or even contemplating ditching or crash landing at the first, ever so slightly and temporary strange smell?
Aviate, Navigate, Communicate I once learned. Meaning fly your ship firstly before you do anything else while analysing your situation. Let me point out that Capt. Al Haynes on United 232 did just that.
Of course, in hind sight we’re always smarter. But to “would of, could of, should of” is of no help now. The crew had no way of knowing the extent of the fire between to cockpit and the galley.
Due to the inaccessibility of taking a look behind the panels, Swissair has now installed cameras on all MD11 in their fleet to cover those locations. Which by the way was an expansive proposition?
So again yes, IF at first suspicion the crew were to do a “Chuck Yeager” the out come just may have been different. But then again, not even Chuck Yeager would have done a “Chuck Yeager” IMO. Hence the conclusion of the CSB was correct in saying that the flight had no chance of making it safely to anywhere.
p.s.
Very excellent job on the report and the TV show. Thanks Canada!
