[Pukin Dog]

I am thinking about Compressor Stall. This was a common problem with Hornets when they first joined the fleet. Considering the altitude, it could have been caused by a bird ingestion. When that happens, it is possible for the larger compressor blades in the F404 (engine) to shatter, and that can cause them to break away, go flying through the airframe and cut control and hydraulic lines. It is the most common reason for Hornet mishaps after pilot error.

I caution though, that this is only speculation.

[AFPhys]

The “eyewitness report” in post#345 seems consistent with an unschooled observer describing an engine out situation... losing speed rapidly... and therefore consistent with your bird ingestion call, etc.

[AFPhys]

Wondering how likely it is that a single engine problem might have caused sufficient deceleration in the situation here to account for the eyewitness report? Seems that might not have been sufficient to me. Speed loss and brushing a tree account for most of this, but seems there might not be enough if only a single engine got trashed.