[sam_paine]

So if it was a plume of smashed tile, then there should be some evidence near the launch site, or perhaps residue on the SRBs? I assume it was fairly far downrange when this occured, thus over water? Oh well.

[bonesmccoy]

SRM's land in the Atlantic Ocean. Only significant impact damage would be identifiable on the SRBs. Coating of silica would not be likely to survive ocean impact.