Read the article that FtrPilot linked to in post #50. It does a more complete job of explaining the mechanics of this tragedy than I have seen previously, and in some ways more complete than what was described to me by the 737 pilots that I know. Even a stubborn old coot like myself was able to learn a thing or two from it.
The article does include a lot of information not found anyplace else...definitely worth reading (and re-reading).
As a pilot, some of the paragraphs make me want to scream...
FTA: "The proper response to MCAS emergencies, Leeham Co analyst Bjorn Fehrm said, is to correct the dangerous nose-down 'trim' using electronic thumb switches, then turn off MCAS and trim manually with the wheel."
The pilots did not know this because they weren't trained on MCAS. The flight manual does not contain any information on "MCAS emergencies".
FTA: "The plane’s engines were at 94 percent thrust on take-off and remained there for the rest of the flight."
AAAAARRRRRGGGGGGG...
IMHO, this 'pilot error' will be listed as a root cause of the accident. This is basic airmanship (lack thereof). Item 1 for any malfunction is: "Maintain Aircraft Control".
Even a stubborn old coot like myself was able to learn a thing or two...
This applies to a most us, and is one of the reasons that I blog on Free Republic. I try to keep an open mind and listen to what other Freepers have to say.