What Investigators Know About the Missing Clue That Could Answer the Cause of Florida Learjet Crash

Evidence points to breakup

The crash killed nine people and created a crater, while the force shattered the aircraft. Some parts were found up to 3.8 miles from the site. The NTSB said pieces of the tail elevator, which controls the angle of the nose, were discovered more than a mile from the main wreckage. Investigators say this indicates the aircraft may have started coming apart before impact.

Recorder search continues

Investigators are looking for the cockpit voice recorder. It could shed light on what the pilots were saying as the plane lost control after encountering turbulence and ice began building on the wings. Chapman said the recorder, if intact, would provide “very important data.” He also said investigators could still determine what happened without it, describing their work as “incredible detective work.”

Flight and weather questions

The co-pilot told air traffic controllers the aircraft was being tossed up and down by more than 213 metres and asked for a better route through the area. It remains unclear why the pilots did not fly around the storms.

Investigators will examine whether the pilots knew about the storm and what the aircraft’s weather radar showed. They will also review maintenance records and interview Upper Jets officials, air traffic controllers and workers at the Texas airport where the plane took off.

Investigation faces obstacles

Heavy rain in recent weeks has complicated work at the crash site. Rainwater was filling the crater and may have submerged some aircraft parts; a utility pole also had to be removed.

A fire destroyed much of the aircraft. The NTSB’s initial investigation is expected to take about a month, with a preliminary report describing what happened. A complete investigation usually takes 12 to 18 months and can take longer in complicated cases.