Originally Posted by
DeltaboundRedux
The "Gear Up!" vs. "Uh, I selected the flaps up, oops" theory is interesting.
How many captains here wouldn't immediately firewall the thrust while simultaneously commanding "Flaps whatever"? This is before the auto-slat deployment. (I don't have a 787 type, but I assume this is a thing)
This is an odd discussion. After a couple of years of WB flying, I decided I enjoyed NB much more.
I watch the other guy like a hawk. He watches me like I'm a dotard old man. Jebus, this was a long haul flight, so there were more pilots in the cockpit to scream at the knucklehead at the flight controls.
There's more to this tragedy, I most sincerely hope.
FWIW, this is from a post on FB in one of the widget pilot groups. No idea if the very hot conditions in India for this event were comparable to whatever this 'recreation' did.
"Report from one of my friends at AAL: They recreated the T/O at MTOW in the 787 sim. Retracted flaps before gear and aircraft climbed out no problem. Retracted flaps before gear on a V1 cut and the aircraft also climbed no problem.
Likely neither motor producing power."
IF there is truth in that, it would seem to greatly diminish the idea that the flap setting/retraction had anything to do with what happened. Many, many folks are commenting on how imperceptible the very clean 787 wing is in authorized TO configs. I think that has 'fooled' a lot of folks initially. I'm 100% convinced slats were out when the jet enters the frame. And to me, the best video footage seems to show a slight shadow right where you would expect with TO flap extension.
Additionally, another report says the Captain radios before impact:
"Mayday... no thrust, losing power, unable to lift."
Not vouching for either of these points, but found it interesting enough to add to the discourse here.
Absolutely no-one knows jack yet. But we also can't help but scratching our heads and grasp at what scenario could
possibly account for what happened. Hopefully, the prelim report will put many of these speculations to rest. That shouldn't take too long.