The finding raises more questions about whether the spoilers were set to activate on landing, as copilot Michael Origel believes they were. The flight data recorders, which were recovered earlier, also indicate that the spoilers did not open when the plane touched down, investigators said. The NTSB's George W. Black Jr. said it is possible that Capt. Richard Buschmann and Origel communicated nonverbally about the spoilers, by pointing or nodding, for example.
Spoilers are panels on the wings that pop up to slow the plane on landing.
The plane ran off the end of a wet runway at more than 90 mph, tore open after hitting light stands and caught fire June 1, killing Buschmann and eight passengers. More than 80 of the 145 people aboard were injured. Two passengers were still in critical condition today. Investigators are examining whether mechanical problems, pilot error, severe weather or a combination of those factors caused the accident. Origel, who broke a leg in the crash, said last week that he believes the spoilers were set by Buschmann during the jet's approach.