Capt 126.9.
Foxcotte might have some definite truth's in his explanation.
Maybe it is time for some of us to actually speak out about what we know (myself included) and not hide behind sentiments.
Yes there are some guys that have plenty hours of flying A to B in a/c in and out of tar strips and the odd gravel strip,yet actually have no experience of short,gravel strips in hot and high conditions,especially in the deepest of dark Africa.
But in this case,with a mountain in the flight path at FL150,who know's.
Hopefully we all learn by this.I know I can.