Quote Originally Posted by AmericanPride View Post
That would suggest then that the take over the aircraft was (relatively) non-violent and uneventful. So we're back to the crew - people who have access to the cockpit.
Not necessarily. I'm pointing out the possibility that it could happen. Twelve crew working on the flight, plus an MAS engineer, as I understand.

It doesn't discount the violent takeover in any way, merely an alternative where you get a bunch of compliant hostages for several hours. If there's no other chance to take the cockpit than violent action at the right moment, then that's what it takes. Mobile phone jammer set to 'active', roll on the opening door as a pilot steps out to go to the toilet. If you're quick, lucky and know where to find the crash-axe, you could be in there, armed and fairly bloody in seconds. It's just a lot easier if a crew member or MAS employee did it and concealed it for the remainder of the flight.

Edit: Still not squaring with the still functioning ACARS satellite uplink though.