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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Evidence Points to Pilot Error in Buffalo Crash

Investigation insiders say pilot commands, not ice, sent plane into deadly dive

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(Newser) – Early examination of the evidence has led investigators to believe that pilot error rather than a buildup of ice was to blame for the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407, sources tell the Wall Street Journal. Investigative insiders believe the captain incorrectly pulled back on the controls as the aircraft slowed to an unsafe speed, and sent the plane into its fatal dive, according to the sources.

People close to the investigation say that icing—initially believed to be the main cause of the crash—may still have been a contributing factor, but the focus is now switching to the pilot’s lack of experience. The probe is still in its early stages and much data remains to be examined before any firm conclusions can be made, said NTSB officials.

An aerial view of the crash site of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and the surrounding neighborhood last Friday in Clarence Center, NY.
An aerial view of the crash site of Continental Connection Flight 3407 and the surrounding neighborhood last Friday in Clarence Center, NY.   (AP Photo/CTV via APTN)
Workers remove debris at the crash site of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, NY.
Workers remove debris at the crash site of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Clarence Center, NY.   (AP Photo/David Duprey, pool)
Flowers and notes mark a makeshift memorial to the victims of Continental Connection Flight 3407 outside the Clarence Center United Methodist Church in New York.
Flowers and notes mark a makeshift memorial to the victims of Continental Connection Flight 3407 outside the Clarence Center United Methodist Church in New York.   (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
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Cynthia111
Feb 18, 09 4:09 PM CST
Evidence in Buffalo Plane Crash Points to Ice as A Cause: http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/4760#more-4760 Reply
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SRM
Feb 18, 09 10:25 PM CST
Cynthia, I hate to say but every pilot & investigators already knows the cause, pilot error. This crash had little to do with ice and more to do with an inexperienced pilot that made a terrible mistake. Reply
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