737 fell like a rock
(files.catbox.moe)
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Given the altitude drops while the speed stays the same, that implies no bomb, no missile, which would alter the speed at the same time as alt. No that looks more like intentional dive, either pilot goes mad, or remote control. A control failure is unlikely, like tail flaps, because that would have a changing effect not a linear effect.
Conclusion: remote or pilot action
Agreed on the first few points. No way did it fall that fast in alt but yet remain relatively stable with airspeed. Yes a rapid descent, but controlled imho. But controlled by what or who?
I think that is ground speed. Which would make sense.
The vertical speed was last indicated at about -31,000 FPM or 306 KTS downward. The ground speed through most the fall/dive was about 450 KTS.
Now to get geeky, if you sum the vectors of the horizontal and vertical speeds, you get a 544 KTS (626 MPH!!) actual speed of the aircraft.
I don't know what the terminal velocity of a tumbling 737 is, but I doubt its even in the ball park of 626 MPH. So definitely a powered dive.
EDIT: Calculating the actual speed from the horizontal and vertical vectors also gives us a downward angle (on overage) of -55 degrees, incase that is useful to our plane fags.
It is ground speed - as indicated in the graphic from OP.
Yeah just noticed that in the graphic above, and I'm guessing its final descent rate of nearly 31,000 fpm!
So was its IAS 544kts like the post above suggests? Will check to see what its cruising speed is at alt.