Originally Posted by
_Phoenix
It think the crash site is about at right distance for descent initiation.
Is it possible cargo shifted forward once aircraft pitched down?
I believe a CRJ 200 is highly sensitive to load distribution but I'm sceptical it could be loaded with a c of g so far forward that elevator control became impossible. Bear in mind that at forward C of G limit there is enough elevator authority to rotate or flare the aircraft at takeoff or landing speeds and in the cruise the elevator will have dramatically more authority (forces proportional to square of speed, subject to actuator/structural limits and altitude density effects). It was apparently carrying mail. Unless there was a cartoon lead ball, which didn't roll backwards under acceleration and pitch up on takeoff, it seems unlikely. But someone with a CRJ load schedule can probably determine a realistically bad load distribution and corresponding moment and comment...