If indeed the pilots were seen doubled up, me wonders if there was some kind of nerve agent release in the cockpit that would cause muscular spasms enough to distort the bodies shape enough to be noticed by the f 16 pilots. Whack the cock pit fast enough and the plane is screwed.
FWIW, I've heard at least one report that said the fighter jet pilots saw the co-pilot at the controls and no sign of the captain in the cockpit. Now, I don't now how they'd know one guy from another, but I'm guessing they can count and saw at least one crew member missing. Anyone else hear the report about the captain not being in the cockpit?
would also explain why the pilot was blue (or cyanotic).
It ain't pretty, what it does to the body.
When you are freezing, what is your reaction? To double up your body and try and remain warm. It's -80 degrees up there...and when the cabin loses pressure, that cold is inside the cabin as well.