[Moonman62]

About half (52%) reported a fire or explosion before the plane hit the ground. Others stated that they saw a wing detach from the aircraft, whereas in fact it was the vertical stabilizer.[8]

It's a well known phenomenon that witnesses will incorrectly report that a plane was on fire before it crashed.

[ez]

It’s a well known phenomenon that witnesses will incorrectly report that a plane was on fire before it crashed.

52%? Not buying it. All explanations were consistent with a shoe bomb detonated over a wing. Loss of the wing caused side forces which sheered the tail. IMHO...