But in this instance the pilot (while the other pilot was out of the cockpit) put the plane into a controlled descent at an angle which was consistent and according to several pilots would be highly unlikely in the event of a medical emergency.
Add to that the fact that this medical emergency just happened to occur when the other pilot was out, and further that the pilot in the cockpit took the plane off of autopilot, and how can one NOT come to the conclusion of terrorism?
What if the pilot was having a medical issue and sent out the other pilot for help, but still locked the door until the other pilot returned. Maybe he died before he could unlock the door to the let the other pilot back in. Small chance of that but still possible?
Question. When a pilot leaves the cockpit, does the door automatically lock behind him/her or does it require an action from inside to lock it?
I learned long ago not to come to conclusions on anything until the investigation is over. However you have good questions.
If it were terrorist, why not take it into a steep dive and get it over with? Then again, if terrorist/suicide maybe the pilot decided to put it into a long decent so the missing pilot and FA’s might not notice immediately.
I don’t know, but with the pilot attempting to beat the door down, this changes the whole thing.