Dear Tom and Ray, I may have found a new and exciting discovery.
All mechanics know the various sounds parts make after they are dropped.
There is a distinct sound difference between the part hitting the fender well, the suspension, the exhaust system, the floor, the oil catch pan, and the cat litter around the oil catch pan. All mechanics know the sounds and can visualize the path taken by those parts. At times there will be an abrupt silence, followed by prayers and invectives from the mechanic. Even with much probing using screwdrivers, flashlights, wires, magnets and fingers, the part will not be found. Weeks later, the part will be found lying in the open, and even though the car has been driven, the part will fall off when you reach for it.