Feds Find Birds in Both Engines

Investigation confirms pilot's story in Hudson River crash
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 4, 2009 4:36 PM CST

Federal safety officials say they've confirmed that there were birds in both engines of the US Airways airliner that landed safely in the Hudson River last month. Remains from both engines have been sent to Washington's Smithsonian Institution to have the particular bird species identified. Officials added that an engine surge experienced by the Airbus 320 two days prior was fixed before the accident.

The plane's left engine has been shipped to the headquarters of the manufacturer, where it is being torn down. However, the flight data recorder revealed no anomalies or malfunctions in either engine until Flight 1549's pilot reported striking birds. Engine maintenance records also show the engines were in compliance with safety laws. The aircraft will stay in a salvage yard for the investigation's duration.
(More Flight 1549 stories.)

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