[theBuckwheat]

Let me add that in order to destroy an aircraft of this size, the bomb would have to disable some critical structure or control system. Placing a small amount of explosive next to an outer wall would result in a hole, loss of cabin pressure and maybe some passengers but probably not the loss of the aircraft. Placing the bomb in the crotch implies that there is a leg between the device and the outside wall, something that only reduces the damage to the aircraft.

(Makes damage to the bomber guaranteed, but to the airplane not so much, in this case, that is exactly what happened.)

see also: http://internet-haganah.com/harchives/006712.html

[thinking]

bomb in the crotch implies that there is a leg between the device and the outside wall....

But this mad-man was sitting over the fuel tanks, and force would have been directed downwards into the fuel tanks....taking the family jewels out as well....so much for 72 virgins.....

[jersey117]

A smoke filled cabin with an out of control fire could be just as deadly as the plane actually going down, in terms of casualties.

[sionnsar]

Placing a small amount of explosive next to an outer wall would result in a hole, loss of cabin pressure and maybe some passengers but probably not the loss of the aircraft.

One or more FReepers pointed out that his seat was over a fuel tank, which (my addition) might have been near empty at the time. Any comment?