G-CPTN, it would have definitely been checked.
Guys, what does at least one of the pilots do at the very beginning of every sector? A walk-around! We do not just walk around and see if the LH engine is there and the HS is still nailed on. We check the aircraft over thoroughly and in a low lit environment, we use a torch.
If the pilot walking around would have spotted a defect with the aircraft, then they would have not decided to fly. If, and this is a big if, the crew discussed the defect and decided to fly on to LED, then the conversation would have been picked up by the CVR.
Nevertheless, the debris will be analysed for any foreign fragments (i.e. parts of a bomb) and the debris will also be tested for any microscopic scarring caused by a bomb blast. The investigators will also be verifying who worked at the airport that day and who was able to gain access to the aircraft, including ground staff, pax, crew, an aviation inspector perhaps?
Last edited by THR RED ACC; 2nd Nov 2015 at 14:14.