I don't think anyone knows 100% certain what caused it. Meaning.. was it the landing gear, fuselage, etc... This is what we do know:
The hole is at the intersection of the wall (unreinforced masonry infill) and the contour of maximum dynamic pressure caused by impact. Large debris,
small debris, gas effects, etc that in fact contributed to making the hole.
Bottom line, impact of a plane going faster than 473 KIAS caused the hole. Could the hole have been made bigger by firemen? History of photo? How
long after the impact?
The impact of flight 77 had the energy of a 2000 pound bomb, but in the shape of a plane. A shape charge, of KE. A KE weapon. Kinetic Energy weapon.
This photograph appears to me somewhat soon after the impact. There is a pretty substantial amount of debris there.
Let's also keep in mind that the majority of bodies remains were found in this area.
Also, please go to page 36-37 for diagrams:
fire.nist.gov...
What I am 100% sure DIDN'T cause this?
a. A tomahawk cruise missile
b. Pre-planted explosives
c. Thermite
d. Any other secondary event.