Whatever category the WX radar would be, no MEL should substitude proper AIRMANSHIP. Especially in that area full of monsters with top higher than many airliners max ceiling.
Last GS was 353kts, maybe the plane wasn't stalling at that time... But what about a few second later, inside the cell, in a shear, turbulence, icing crystal condition...?
Probes blocked by ice maybe, loss of control due to shear very close to rec max alt. And speed tape so narrow, sudden unusual attitude followed by improper recovery technique..
Just my two cents, not speculating but recalling past accidents.. Wishing all the best to the SAR team and condolences to the families..
Last edited by mototopo; 29th Dec 2014 at 20:57.
Reason: Spelling