I was sorry to hear of the plane crash in Egypt, which was carrying mostly French tourists. Just wanted to extend my sympathies and thoughts toward anyone in France and elsewhere, who have been affected by the crash.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/3364795.stm

It was a terrible accident. The reports I have read said it was just that: an accident. Anyone hear anything different? I looked around the web, but nothing said otherwise.
I doubt if enough wreckage will ever be collected to tell for sure.

So far I'm just hearing that it was an accident, but it sure did happen FAST...right after takeoff.

I'm sure more will be determined as the blackboxes are recovered, etc. In the meantime, though, the families and friends of those lost have a terrible time ahead of them. My thoughts are with them.

This was no "accident" I assure you. Like a previous post mentions, "may never know". This plane just came off a clean and complete inspection in Norway. Most likely was tampered with prior to take-off. Regardless off what Egypt may claim, it is a hotspot to avoid- especially for Americans. Until the Muslims tone done the hate and violence, which may be never, traveler beware.

It just amazes me how government officials immediately say "this was not terrorism" within minutes of the terrible accident. The truth is it's too early to tell, just say so.

I have to admit that I sadly agree with the previous poster. According to press reports, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his family are currently vacationing in Sharm el-Sheikh, the town from where the plane took off. Intelligence reports were getting hot on flights/holiday spots. The plane never radioed in a problem. I don't think this is coincidence. It's heartbreaking, regardless.

Aspen,
Sorry to have to disagree. We were in Sharm El Sheikh exactly one month ago. It's a safe place for any tourist, American, European, whatever. The South Sinai lives from tourism only. It's totally different than other places in Egypt (Alexandria, Cairo, etc.).

I feel really sorry for all the victims and their relatives waiting for them on the airport in Paris.

I think that the fact there was no distress call from the plane speaks volumes.

I feel so awful for the families, the ones who were waiting at the airport & were whisked away to be told privately. It was said that there were whole families on that plane.

Reply to MYRIAM C:

If you were a terrorist wouldn't you prefer to do your dirty work where, as you say, "it is completely different than Cairo,etc."? This area would be easier to commit this terrible act and go undetected than in say Cairo where security is naturally going to be higher. Ignorance kills people......

the only way a government official could state it wasn't terrorism would be if he knew what it was. doubtful that he did, just trying to cover his ass.

You know what? I started this thread to express my condolances to the people of France and elsewhere who lost loved ones on that flight. I cannot believe how some of you have turned this into YET ANOTHER debate. PLEASE give it a rest, people.

Aspen has a stick where the sun don't shine. You should see his take on travel to Egypt on the Africa/Middle East board.

If you will recall there was an accident about 2-weeks ago, I believe in Guinea, where a plane on its way to Lebanon with a few stops first, also dropped right after take off - believe it was the wheels hitting a building at the end of the runway.

And the American Airlines flight a few weeks after 9/11 heading for the Dominican Republic, barely off the ground the hit on the Rockaway peninsula - the tail rudder fell off.

Accidents happen. If we always think terrorism, then "they" win and we become frozen. Both France and the US have sent their teams to Egypt to ascertain what happened. Let's wait to see what they determine.

The issue is how sad when any catastophe occurs and innocent people are gone so quickly regardless how!

Let's see whether Aspen is fortunate enough not to get hit by a Mr. Frosty truck tomorrow - oops, an accident.

Had to post this off the comcast homesite:

French officials also said the crash appeared accidental. Deputy Transportation Minister Dominique Bussereau told reporters at Charles de Gaulle airport outside Paris that the pilot detected problems on takeoff and tried vainly to turn back.

Flash Airlines Flight FSH604 took off from the popular tourist resort of Sharm el-Sheik bound for Paris after a stopover in Cairo. The weather was clear at the time.

I think a couple people should take a chill pill if they are going to post on a PUBLIC forum.... Thank goodness for posters like Aspen; don't always agree, but at least he/she seems to have a mind of his/her own.

Again people, chill.

Many people are afraid of airline landings, but most accidents happen during take-off.

My brother has been an airline mechanic in the US for almost 20 years now. After doing a contract stint with EgyptAir in the late eighties, he told me you should never fly 3rd world airlines. The US ones are OK, European, Australian, Japan, Singapore and the like are all fine, but never, ever 3rd world.

As another bit of advice, no matter how rich and/or famous you are always, always fly commercial. Think Richie Valens, Aliya, the senator from Minnesota, John-John Kennedy just to name a few...

It says on the CNN website that 133 French nationals were killed. I fear though that this was terror related. Every time I get on a plane I pray for safe passage.
BirminghamRocks, of course people are going to be suspiscious about the flight, yours just happened to be the first thread that mentioned the horrible accident.