#1839 (permalink)
Considering the HS ' wing" as to failure
There are basically three directions ( vectors) of failure possible
A) fore to aft re airstream - that is leading edge detaches and wing simply folds back like a swing wing. Improbable due to airloads acting over a small area
B) Up relative to normal flight attitude as in a major dive and pullup bending wing (HS) up to breaking point
C) Down relative to normal flight as in a major pitchover
AND B) or C) if wing tries to turn 90 degrees to airstream becoming a relatively flat plate
I think A) can be dismissed
Which leaves from available evidence published B) or C)
With B) or C) we look at aft section ahead of PB- and it appears most likely it was a down load sufficient to tear top of body away.
Which does not exclude a major attitude change ( pitch ) or a disconnect of jackscrew while changing from climb to level flight for example
OR a bomb forward of PB in lower hold.
Thats about as close as we can get with available ..
