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Nor am I an expert. I didn't give the burst tire much thought at the time. Seeing where the strike was marked on the grid paper raised the question with me just now, especially when combined with the knowledge (theory) that when whatever happened, it was rapid and severe.

Of course it goes without saying that at 12,000 - 15,000 mph an uh-oh is going to be bad.

No proof or facts to say- I think a tire burst. Just playing what if. Would a burst tire blow out the bottom of the wing ? If so, it would create a hell of a drag problem. There are sensor indications that the ship rolled or there was a yaw- first left then right. Just wondering...

I keep thinking about minor sensor changes then, (no further warning) all data is lost. I presume the shuttle was destroyed in mere seconds, following the 'event' and then the drop off of all data occurs.

So... a burst tire... blowing out the bottom of the wing... creating tremendous drag (gaping hole / hanging debris) shuttle rolls / yaws left... auto pilot compensates / over-compensates... shuttle rolls / yaws right... exposes unprotected fuselage to intense re-entry heat... shuttle disintegrates.

Just horsing around with ideas. Flame retardent suit is on and all systems functioning.