Originally Posted by
DenverBrian
Well, there's speculation, and then there's speculation.
Concocting a scenario where there's
just enough fire to incapacitate both pilots (and of course for this to work, neither would have followed protocol and put on their masks) but the plane keeps flying level and straight comes dangerously close to Lost-type speculation, or aliens lasering the plane or some such, IMO.
I didnt realize the "Lost" and aliens lasering hypotheses had received wide circulation, but as an example of the powerful effects of their light weapons, it is worthwhile to examine the effect on Egyptair MS667 "Nefertiti." In this case, the laser penetrated the hull and ignited a fire right below the co-pilots seat in the oxygen delivery system to his mask, making it somewhat difficult for the co-pilot to remain seated and follow protocol by placing his mask on.