Conspiracy fans, have I got a treat for you? A long-time airline pilot writes for the New York Daily News that TWA 800, which blew up in midair off the coast of Long Island and crashed into the sea, killing all aboard, was probably shot down by a missile.
Captain Andrew Danziger is certain the plane did not blow up because of a spark in the central fuel tank, as alleged by the government. Too many people saw contrails rising toward the plane, and said so at the time.
I have always suspected the TWA 800 shoot-down was an inadvertent missile launch by a U.S. Navy ship. It wouldn't surprise me that tracking and pretending to launch missiles at overflying planes is a standard training exercise.
Imagine a sailor was "practicing" with the tracking radar and air defense system when, for whatever reason, the practice launch became a real launch. Sad, tragic even, but understandable.
If a missile strike was the cause, it is amazing that the cover-up has held for 19 years. There had to be dozens of men on the ship aware of the missile launch and its tragic consequence.
The Daily Mail (U.K.) puts forward another theory, dealing with an al Qaeda plot, and they have documents purporting to support their view. I don't think TWA 800 was within MANPAD range, but it's possible. You pays your money and takes your choice, eh?
Hat tip to Lucianne.com for the links.
