Has anyone looked at the design of the autopilot, and layout of wires, PCB's, that could be most at risk of fire damage? I'm beginning to wonder is it coincidence or is there any way tha fire damage could result in a default setting to a bearing of 180, it does seem a bit of a coincidence it flew due south? if it did fly due south that is?
Originally Posted by
Harvest
Could it be possible that the (presumed) hijackers were heading towards French Antarctic Lands? There's supposed to be 4 airports on these islands, and they must have a fair runway length, since the islands are so remote only bigger planes can reach them.
Additionally, could the hijackers realize that ACARS is not "fully" switched off and turn it off manually after 6+ hours of flight?
I was looking at those remote islands thinking 'wonder what it's like down there!'
But did have a look on google maps satellite view and definitely couldn't see any runways. However I was thinking he could water ditch in one of the sounds, to the northeast, water would be flatter than open sea anyway. That was when I was imagining he just flipped out and 'wanted to get away fro it all' not that surviving down there would be much fun!
All wishful thinking now though.