Tango---you are 100% correct, but 88 people most likely would not have died if the FAA HADN'T given the airlines 18 months to inspect the stabilizers on the MD-80s, or if Mc Donnell Douglas had used a new vertical stabilizer, and a properly heated gimbal nut. Also, the FAA made a mistake in allowing airlines to decrease their jackscrew lubrication cycles.

So, yes, Alaska is ultimately responsible, but I would say that they should only soak up part of the blame.


[This message has been edited by EvergreenState (edited 06-14-2000).]