[RayChuang88]

However, do not try to assume TWA Flight 800 was brought down by a MANPAD. We forget MANPAD missiles are not effective above 10,000 feet altitude (they're designed primarily as low-altitude systems).

We have to investigate the possibility that the terrorists got their hands on the 9K33 Osa (Russian for wasp) SAM system, better known by the NATO code name SA-8 Gecko. It is possible that the terrorists jury-rigged the hardware--including the tracking and guidance radar and a single launcher in a "launch box"--so it fits in a small boat? Because the 9M33 missile used in the 9K33 SAM system is effective up to 12,000 meters (39,000 feet) altitude, such a setup could easily bring down TWA Flight 800 flying at 13,500 feet.

Due to the size of the warhead on the 9M33 missile (16 kilograms or 35.25 pounds), if such a missile impacted TWA Flight 800, the tremendous force of the explosion could explain why the fuselage was ripped in two almost immediately.

[Perdogg]

I think the worst case scenario is that the US Navy shot down the plane. I really doubt that terrorist brought down this plane.

[Alberta's Child]

There was a pretty thorough analysis of TWA Flight 800 done on FreeRepublic a while back. The strongest case was made to support the theory that IF the aircraft was brought down by a missile, it was most likely an errant missile fired by a U.S. naval vessel (or a naval vessel of another NATO country, which would offer a stronger explanation about the need to cover it up) conducting exercises off the south shore of Long Island that night.

[kidd]

Interesting

Are the missing Libyan SAMs similar?

If yes, that would explain why the NTSB would like to draw as little attention as possible to the issue.

[Alberta's Child]

If your theory is correct, then these incidents would be occurring with such boring regularity — all over the world, mind you — that the airline industry would cease to exist.