US Airline Safety Record Best Ever

Investigation means possessions aren't coming back soon ... if they're even salvageable

(NEWSER) - Saying that passengers of Flight 1549 will not get their belongings back for months, if ever, US Airways sent each $5,000, CNN reports; the airline also provided “an obvious reimbursement” of the ticket price. As part of the investigation, all luggage must be weighed in its “current state,” dried for 8 weeks, and weighed again to verify the weight of the downed plane. More»

(NEWSER) - Investigators hoisted the US Airways jet out of the Hudson last night as crew interviews and transcripts began to shed light on the fateful flight, the New York Times reports. Among the revelations: Pilot Chesley Sullenberger was not at the controls when the plane hit a flock of geese, but he took over from co-pilot Jeffrey B. Skiles—a veteran pilot but one with limited exerience in this type of jet—when both engines failed. Investigators say Skiles had no time to evade the birds. More»

Voice, data recorders in Washington, should produce info tonight

(NEWSER) - Brakes, tires, or landing gear likely caused the Denver airliner crash that injured 40 on Saturday, a source tells CNN. Meanwhile the National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its probe of the accident, and revealed that both black boxes on the plane contained clear information. "Tonight, we should have some overall characterization of what was said in that cockpit," said NTSB member Robert Sumwalt. More»

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

(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. More»