[RayChuang88]

This is why I still wonder did the terrorists get their hands on the Russian 9K33 Osa (NATO code name SA-8 Gecko) SAM system and jury-rigged a SAM launcher (complete with radar) that could fit into a larger pleasure boat? Remember, the Soviets supplied a large number of 9K33 systems to Soviet client states in the Middle East during the late 1970's to early 1980's and many of them may have ended up in terrorist hands.

The 9K33 system could certainly shoot down TWA Flight 800, given the maximum engagement altitude of the missile is nearly 40,000 feet; that puts it well within the range of the 747 at the time it exploded.

[Alberta's Child]

The best argument against a terrorist attack with a surface-to-air missile is that the incident took place way too far east for a terrorist to have any confidence in the ability of a missile to strike a passenger jet flying that high.

This scenario would have made a lot more sense if this had occurred much further west -- closer to JFK Airport in New York City where Flight 800 departed.

[aragorn]

This is why I still wonder did the terrorists get their hands on the Russian 9K33 Osa (NATO code name SA-8 Gecko) SAM system and jury-rigged a SAM launcher (complete with radar) that could fit into a larger pleasure boat?

I seem to recall reports of equipment found on the nearby shore that appeared to be a (perhaps improvised) missile launching system. I'd have to go back and look to see if my memory was correct.