It's conceivable that some unlikely combination of relatively 'small' factors may have formed a malevolent synergy adequate to rip parts off the Airbus and cause it to auger in.

I'm still slightly puzzled by one aspect of this case. We know that the rudder and VS were fished from Jamaica Bay. We also know that both engines impacted some distance from the main impact site. However, I recall reportage and maps which described four impact areas on Rockaway and four fires. I had some of this on video, but managed to tape over it. I couldn't find the maps showing the four impact areas when I searched later, despite a fairly determined effort to locate one, so I'm just wondering about this angle - did another piece fall off the plane prior to impact. If so, what was it. There were a few reports of a wing coming off, but it's possible these reflect the VS.

sp