Even though the LKP for MSR804 has not been reliably determined, it may be worthwhile reading/reviewing the Report to the BEA document by Metron Scientific Solutions regarding methodologies for determining the location of the final crash site of AF447, entitled,
Search Analysis for the Location of the AF447 Underwater Wreckage
Another document, which I cannot locate online yet, was a report, (presentationMAK.ppt), apparently written by the IAC/MAK concerning known aircraft descent trajectories of previous LOC accidents. I know that this point has been made earlier in the thread but the presentation reinforces the notion that crash sites are
almost always within ~12nm of the LKP.
@.Scott - Given the recoveries of recorders from the AF447 & AirAsia accidents and given similar search conditions, I am confident that the recorders will be found. I expect that there will be a multi-national specialist group with hand-to-hand recording of the "evidence trail" at any such recovery, transport, disassembly, and reading of same. The A320 recorders (and where it survives, the QAR), typically records ~2000 parameters. This of course varies with data frame and installation. What occurred in both the cited cases herein show that a very good determination of what transpired immediately prior to the accident sequence, will be known and understood, providing all the usual protocols and processes for such investigations are followed to ensure transparency, and documented for all to witness. It is far too early to make any further statements regarding cause.