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Brakes Suspected in Denver Crash

Jet pulled to the side before collapsing with thud in snowy ravine

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 2:37 AM CST
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(Newser) – Investigators believe a faulty braking system and landing gear may be to blame for a fiery crash in Denver where a Houston-bound jet veered off a runway into a snowy ravine. The weather apparently played no role in the accident, and asymmetrical braking appears a likely cause, sources told the Houston Chronicle.

"When something like this happens, you wonder why and want to make sure it never happens again," said Continental's CEO. All passengers and crew managed to escape the plane via inflatable emergency chutes before flames consumed the cabin, melting overhead luggage compartments. Five passengers remain hospitalized, one in serious condition.

The charred wreckage of a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies off a runway at Denver International Airport.
The charred wreckage of a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies off a runway at Denver International Airport.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Preston Gannaway)
The charred wreckage of a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies off a runway after an accident at Denver International Airport.
The charred wreckage of a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies off a runway after an accident at Denver International Airport.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Preston Gannaway)
A Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies crippled after veering off a runway in Denver and catching fire.
A Continental Airlines Boeing 737 lies crippled after veering off a runway in Denver and catching fire.   (AP Photo/KUSA-TV)
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Plane's 'black boxes' recovered
Denver Post

NTSB gathering crash scene evidence; Continental to fly relatives to Denver
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Jet-crash clues: crosswind, brakes
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US

 
NTSB • Continental Airlines • Boeing 737 • Denver International Airport • Flight 1404 • University of Colorado Hospital • Larry Kellner • Stapleton International Airport • braking system • landing gear

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