"Looks like you owe me a pint Rainboe"

Probably why Rainboe did a runner!

Browsing through some of the other photos from the accident referred to in post #43, I loved this one!

AirDisaster.Com: Accident Photo: Qantas QF1 (3)

Not quite what the CC had in mind, I am sure.

I took no bets! Never gamble- fools game. Not even a lottery ticket.

My superficial opinion was it was repairable- I think it accepted the Qantas 747 was equally or worse damaged and is flying now. Frankly I'm surprised it allegedly has been written off- I'm sure Airbus would have preferred a repair to avoid their production safety figures looking bad for the A340. All the same, a sad end to a fine aeroplane, but with the recent fuel price shock, probably a relief to be rid of it.