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Old 08-10-2013 | 08:28 PM
  #136895  
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MrBojangles
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Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp
The test pilot was trying to trigger "alpha floor" protection which takes the engines to TOGA automatically. His plan was to use it as a neat way of demoing the airplane and sending it into a go-around. He drifted below 100 feet, and just like on the 777, the protections are inhibited there.

He realized too late the protection wasn't going to kick in, threw the thrust levers up to TOGA, and the engines spooled on command- right as they were hitting the trees. You can hear it in the audio in the video. Just like on the 777, if you push the thrust levers up, they will spool and go to TOGA. It doesn't help much if your momentum is already taking you into a sea wall or trees (respectively).

He initially lied and said the airplane wouldn't let him go around... which was a lie. It later came out that he didn't understand or know of the alpha floor protection inhibit below 100 RA.
amazing how many people always fault the aircraft in this crash when it was pretty much all pilot error!