[thombat]

But what control input could a pilot make that abruptly produces significant negative gees for just a couple of seconds? Other than the bland references to "technical issue" it sounds like clear air turbulence. (Although one possible mistake could be that the weather radar did warn of it and the pilot didn't react?)

[MadnessASAP]

An autopilot disconnect (caused by a failure of the flight control computer) in an out of trim condition can cause it. I'm not sure how a 787s trim system is built but on our, much older, plane with a mechanical trim system there's a motor that will slowly move the trim tabs to bring the autopilot inputs to 0.

That is if the autopilot is producing a constant nose up control signal the auto-trim will move the elevator tabs towards nose up until the AP pitch signal is null.

It's to prevent fun excursions like this should the autopilot become disconnected without the pilots hands on the controls.

[histriosum]

Weather radar cannot see clear air turbulence. Essentially you are relying on forecasts and pilot reports.

[hugh-avherald]

From reports of passengers in the rear of the plane suffering the most injuries, it sounds like a descent followed by an abrupt pitch up (elevators push tail down).