[operation clinton cleanup]

In 800 though, weren't there a dozen eye witnesses from all angles that saw what they thought was a missile launched from the ground at the plane just as it blew?

Yes, but a manpad (shoulder launched missile) would attract a lot more attention in a dark sky than in broad daylight.

[A CA Guy]

Bottom line is, if there were more than a handful thinking they saw something, then why didn't they conclude foul play?