Quote:
Originally Posted by goof2
I think that is what happened. The initial stuff I have seen about it so far say that cargo wasn't properly secured and fell/slid to the back of the aircraft on takeoff. A sudden center of gravity change, particularly at takeoff, could cause an attitude change very quickly leading to a stall. At that altitude I don't think there is anything a pilot can do to recover. If the C of G moved far enough back I don't think a pilot can do anything regardless of the altitude.
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When I was there, all the aircraft took off and landed at pretty steep angles; I believe the airfield has a "combat" take-off and landing policy. I don't know if it qualifies as "combat" when you're talking about a 747, but a steeper-than-normal take-off attitude for a plane that size probably makes stalling a lot easier.
Disclaimer: not a pilot, I may be completely full of shit.
That said, RIP to the flight crew.