Originally Posted by
Adlerdriver
I think it's very possible they were unaware. Long way from the flight deck to the tail area with a couple of giant engines roaring in between.
Possible night departure? Maybe tower didn't see anything? Might be tough even in the day.
Thanks for the input Adler.
That was part of my question....then I wondered that the FAs must have heard/felt the impact, but I don't know.
I remember thinking of that IL-76 that took off out of Australia and barely made it and the *colorful* commentary that was coming out of the tower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7q3j69-SHM
I have no idea if it is standard for someone in the tower to watch the aircraft for any signs of trouble during the roll or early takeoff/departure.
I do hear stories often of crews being pased information after takeoff from the tower or departure indicating something unusual that was seen/happened.
It will be interesting to watch as this investigation matures.