One other thing.

If the left engine fell off first, the pilot would have applied full right rudder to counter the force lost by the left engine.

Now, if the support structure for the tail section indeed had some undetected damage (i.e. cracks like in the fans of the Sioux City crash) that force (full right rudder to offset left engine loss) COULD have been enough to break it off. This is supposition on my part as an instrument rated pilot....I am by no means a physicist, structural or mechanical engineer, though.

I'm sure we will know more in the next few days.

On a side note, it pains me that so many citizens from the Dominican Republic, who don't mean us any harm, and simply want to participate in a country/system much better than theirs perished in this.

And, naturally, the United States citizens and the flight crews from AA, already making our country what it is.

I am scared one of them may have been a Flight Attendant on my flight from MIA-CUN in September. Her name is Carol Palm. She gave us superb service on that flight and two of us sent an SOS. So far, every listing for passengers and crew is just giving country status i.e. U.S. or Dominican Republic. I don't know Carol's last name but she did tell us she had worked for Eastern before joining American, and I believe (not sure) lived in Tampa.

Would appreciate any information other FFT's could provide such I could send her family something if that was indeed she.