[zipper]

But the Birmingham METAR reports the Altimeter at 29.99 at the time of the crash. Since Center runs all traffic on a standard day Altimeter of 29.92, that's a difference of 700 feet

29.99 minus 29.92 equals 70 feet, not 700 feet. Even if they neglected to reset the altimeter, it's not enough to have made a difference in this case.

That notam closing runway 18 was issued after the crash.

As for the cause, of course this is speculation, but it appears weather was not a factor. The glideslope was out but the visibility was good enough, and there is a PAPI on runway 18 that should have been visible at that range, so I don't think they were following a false ILS glideslope.

So far it seems there must have been a mechanical issue that at least contributed to the accident.

[Yosemitest]

Then

!BHM 08/035 BHM RWY 18/36 CLSD

means that it was the 35th NOTAM for August for KBHM, and not the 5th NOTAM issued on August the 3rd?

[zipper]

People living near the airfield reported seeing flames coming from the plane and hearing its engines struggle in the final moments before impact.

"It was on fire before it hit," said Jerome Sanders, who lives directly across from the runway.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/faa-ups-jet-crashes-birmingham-ala-19954797