15 Feb 2009

US plane crashed 'flat on house'

5:48 pm on 15 February 2009

Investigators in the United States say a plane that crashed onto a house in New York state, killing 50 people, fell flat rather than diving as initially thought.

The Continental Airlines Bombardier Dash 8 was also pointing away from the airport it was meant to land at, investigator Steve Chealander said.

Continental flight 3407 was minutes from Buffalo airport when it crashed at 10.10pm (0310 GMT) on Thursday.

Analysis of the plane's data recorders shows the crew noticed significant ice build-up on its wings just before the crash that killed all those on board and one person on the ground.

And the authorities say weather conditions are hampering their investigation, with ice forming over the crash site.