Originally Posted by
Adlerdriver
I’m wondering if a pilot in the back or even a pax saw sparks or the damage and got word to the crew. I wouldn’t think they would get above 10k, accelerate and climb to FL200 if they even suspected they drug a wing or had structural damage.
Maybe. If all was working OK, might be inclined to execute the plan and get out of the terminal area before having an in-depth discussion about what might or might not have happened. I've done two immediate RTFs right after gear-up but in both cases had unambiguous (to say the least) indications of trouble. Without the wingtip impact master caution illuminated, they probably had to talk about what they felt.