I'd like to express my doubts about this theory.
I know very little about what actually happened, so my opinion could be complete BS.
But I've got two feelings:
First, that the 747 vortex is not so strong to destroy the tail of an airliner like that.
Sure it can create a problem, but severing an Airbus tail is another matter...
Second : Airbus says the rudder was pilot commanded, and there is no proof this theory is wrong.
I had, years ago, an american instructor, ex Vietnam Phantom pilot, whose obsession was using the rudder instead of the ailerons!
He thought me to react to external disturbances with my feet, to keep the heading perfectly centered and wings level, and flying with him was a real torture, almost continuously kicking the pedals left and right!
Now, I say again, I know nothing about the Airbus captain, but I'm just asking myself if maybe he had the same kind of background of my ex instructor...
It would not be the first time we see pilots doing crazy things.
I apologise if my doubt hurts someone, but since a lot of people died, I think it's worth considering all possibilities.
