Liv, I'm a bit in awe of your writing in this piece: you sound like you know exactly what you're talking about. Try as they will, writers lacking aviation experience usually mangle at least a few details. I'm in a position to know because, long long ago, I was talking about: I was an air traffic controller in the Navy, 1974-1978, at anti-submarine warfare naval stations operating P-3 Orions out of Keflavik, Iceland and Brunswick, Maine. Interesting coincidence, by the way: that the aftermath of the Il-76's collision was observed by a C-141 crew. The Candid (the NATO name for the 76) and Starlifter (C-141) have the same mission - long range heavy lift; and similar designs - four turbofans, high wing, T-tail, rear clam shell doors.

Anyway, please give yourself a Well Done for this one.