Re: Attempted hypersonic bailout from Columbia?
If superheated plasma entered the wing, it might be possible that superheated plasma also entered the cockpit before it was torn apart. Supporting this idea is the evidence that the nose wheel bays were compromised. This doesn't directly indicate that the crew cabin was compromised, but it would only be a matter of time.
The question in my mind is, were the crew burned alived inside the shuttle before it broke up, or after?