Luggage from front cargo hold was found nearest event site and in engine number three. A strange radar blip was seen before destruction. There were no calls from the crew to the ground. There were no survivors. Flight data recorders revealed a loud sound and then all recording ceased.
Reconstruction shows cargo door area in first sequence of destruction.
Eight passengers missing and not accounted for. The aircraft was a Boeing 747-121, an early 747 with high flight time and flight cycles. Boeing 747-121 series high flight time aircraft are prone to cargo door malfunctions. Doors pop open in climb or just after. Door popping open exposes large hole in side of nose.