[Smogger]

How long did it take to determine what happened to the Concorde last year? Didn't it take awhile before they truly learned what the problem was? I also seem to recall another plane crash (was it J.F.K., Jr.?) took them quite awhile to say it was mechanically related (or otherwise). But in this crash, everyone is saying, almost immediately, "it's mechanical." I find that more than odd.

Very perceptive. You are correct of course. Officials "speaking on the condition of anonymity" were reporting that it appears to be a mechanical failure while the fires within a half-hour of the crash.

The whole mechanical failure thing is a red herring. Mechanical failure could be the result of a deliberate act.

[nicmarlo]

The whole mechanical failure thing is a red herring. Mechanical failure could be the result of a deliberate act.

This time I tend to agree. Any other time, say 6 months ago, I would tend to think error. But, there's too many coincidences (and I know, coincidences don't make planes crash). However, it's 11/12 (two months from attacks); occurs at 9:15 a.m. (same time as second plane hit WTC); day after Veteran's Day. I wonder if Arab mechanics are responsible. That's just what I'm thinking.

[nicmarlo]

Also, what about the divers in the area, the closing off the bay, the military escort of a flight to Denver (occurring at a similar time), the evacuation of the Empire State Building (and another)? This isn't "normal" reactions to "mechanical failures."