Quote:
Originally Posted by Sieg
This was posted in on a thread I started on another forum:
I'm pretty sure the philosophy for Boeing is to always give the pilots full control, and this is maintained in fly by wire systems similar to mechanical systems.
The Airbus control philosophy is similar on all models after the A320. It looks like the flight crew finally recovered from the stall at around 2,000ft, however the envelop protection prevented them from exceeding a positive G limit set in alternate mode for the purpose of protecting the airframe structure from damage due to excessive loads. This is one of many fundamental flaws in the Airbus flight control laws. In a similar accident, a newly appointed Gulf Air A320 captain mishandled the airplane while executing a missed approach at night with similar results; a late recovery followed by envelop protection kicking in at low altitudes with a subsequent crash into the ocean. Very unfortunate for all involved.
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If I understand the problem correctly (and I am in no way familiar with the real state of things) the Airbus system lacks two features that could have saved this aircraft:
1) The computer needs a way to recognize an "out of bounds" situation wherein it allows inputs and maneuvers that may otherwise damage the aircraft.
2) A big red button that gives full control of the aircraft to the pilot during immediately lethal situations (i.e. pulling out of a dive and exceeding maximum G forces).
Shiny Side Up!
Bill