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Re: Flight 800 Meteor report

In a message dated 98-02-17 21:02:39 EST, you write:

<< I sort of find it hard to believe that it wouldn't be more often. When you
think that a number of cars have been struck while on the ground
(Peekskill,Benold as examples) and also houses (although I would think there
would be much more area in houses than aircraft) an even a mailbox has been
struck. >>

Personally I think it would be LESS.  Add up the total number of cars and/or
houses, and figure out their respective total surface areas.  Now do the same
for planes. Add to that the fact that planes are a 'moving target' and I
personally think the odds become astronomical.  Besides, planes routinely
survive lightening strikes, punctures due to engine failures, (some)
structural failures, etc. A meteorite (meteoroid?) at the 'normal' altitude of
flight would usually be of such a small size (due to ablation) that the
chances of it 'taking out' an aircraft seem just too remote to me.

I have no facts to back this up...this is just my opinion.
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