EGYPTAIR 990's LAST MOMENTS

November 10, 1999
		National Transportation Safety Board investigators say the flight data recorder from EgyptAir Flight 990 indicates an "uneventful" flight until the plane's autopilot suddenly disconnected. -- Posted 6:10pm ET

Nov. 2, 1999: The dangers of search and recovery in the EgyptAir crash Nov. 1, 1999: EgyptAir 990 crashes into the Atlantic   EgyptAir National Transportation Safety Board Aviation Safety Network Federal Aviation Administration

In a Wednesday press conference, chairman Jim Hall said about eight seconds later, the plane began "what appeared to be a controlled descent," that never reached supersonic speed. With this data in hand, investigators conclude the plane’s thrust reversers were working properly, erasing one crash theory that doomed another Boeing 767 in 1991. But Hall said technicians are still analyzing a small, remaining portion of the tape which could reveal more evidence. The recorder was recovered from its badly-damaged protective box Tuesday and analyzed in Washington. The plane crashed near Nantucket Island, Mass., early Halloween morning after departing from New York’s Kennedy Airport. All 217 people aboard were killed. Investigators are looking into all possible causes for the catastrophe, including mechanical failure, human error, sabotage and terrorism. Though seas are still choppy, Hall said investigation efforts are turning the recovery of the plane’s cockpit voice recorder.