[Mr. Jeeves]

He could just have easily "invited" the two Iranians into the cockpit, where the three of them quickly disposed of the captain and turned the plane westward. The passengers and even the cabin crew would be aware of nothing - it was the middle of the night and most were sleeping anyway. They could have landed somewhere before anybody on board realized they weren't in Beijing.

The only question is - did they successfully reach an alternate airport, or was a decision made to shoot the plane down before they could carry out a terrorist suicide attack? If the latter, that explains why all the governments involved are lying until they can put together a plausible cover story. Maybe the old center fuel tank fable will work again. /s

[bubbacluck]

I was just reading somewhere that the Iranians were seeking asylum in Europe. They had arrived in Malaysia with correct passports but had left for China and then ultimately Europe with the stolen passports.

It's all speculation at this point.

[null and void]

He could just have easily "invited" the two Iranians into the cockpit,

Before 9/11 it was routine practice for off duty pilots, even from other airlines, sit be invited up to the flight deck and sit in the jump seat to schmooze.

There was some speculation that this is how at least some of the hijackers gained access that fateful day.