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 | | From: | Sylvia Else | | Subject: | Loss of vertical fin | | Date: | Thu, 16 Dec 2004 08:41:38 -0800 |
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>>>I did some reading into the crash of AA587. I was wondering, if a large
>>>transport category aircraft would - in theory - still be able to
>>>continue flight after loosing its vertical fin by controlling the engine
>>>thrust (manually and with the assistance of a PCA system)?
>>
>>A JAL 747 lost its fin some years back, after Boeing botched a repair to
>>the rear pressure bulkhead. The bulkhead failed, and the pressure blew
>>the fin off.
>>
>>The aircraft continued flying for some considerable time before
>>crashing. Some passengers had even scrawled farewell messages. I seem to
>>remember four people survived.
>>
>>So a large transport aircraft is not necessarily immediately doomed by
>>the loss of the fin, but becomes very difficult to control. The problem
>>is a loss of directional stability. I suppose one could imagine using
>>spoilers and ailerons in opposition to correct this, and maybe
>>differential thrust, but I can't imagine it being feasible manually.
>>
>
> I think you'll find it wasn't Boeing that did the repair,
> and, most of the fin remained, just the rudder departed.
FWIW, see http://dnausers.d-n-a.net/dnetGOjg/120885.htm
Sylvia
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