[frogjerk]

The reason is simple: did the investigators find the blast pattern and remains of a MANPAD warhead anywhere on the plane? Given that each type of MANPAD has a distinct warhead detonation pattern (whether it's Stinger, SA-7, SA-18, Blowpipe, etc.), the fact that NONE of these blast patterns--let alone the explosive residue from the warhead itself--was found on the remains of TWA 800 rules out a missile attack.

This is why I am skeptical of the missile theory.

[DJ MacWoW]

This is why I am skeptical of the missile theory.

If they are trying to cover something up, why would they give you info that would prove a coverup? I have an advantage over you in that I was in the NYcity area when it happened and got news BEFORE the newsies and witnesses were shushed.

[RayChuang88]

The reason why I mentioned the lack of any blast patterns, finding warhead fragments or finding the explosives residue for the warhead is the fact that MANPAD missiles do their damage by impact, not a proximity blast like you get with radar-guided missiles. Since there are no signs of a warhead impact and explosion, there goes the missile shootdown theory.