February 13, 2009 in Nation/World

NTSB: Plane crew saw significant ice before crash

Associated Press
 
Tags:Continentalplane crash
Associated Press photo

A plane burns after crashing into a house in Clarence, N.Y., near Buffalo, late Thursday. Authorities said it was Continental Connection Flight 3407.
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Friends and family
Continental said relatives and friends of those on Flight 3407 who want to give or receive information about those on board can call a special family assistance number, (800) 621-3263.

These victims’ names have been provided by airline officials, relatives or friends.

Crew members:
— Capt. Marvin Renslow, pilot, of Lutz, Fla.
— Rebecca Shaw, first officer, of Maple Valley, Wash.
— Matilda Quintero, flight attendent
— Donna Prisco, flight attendent
— Capt. Joseph Zuffoletto, off-duty crew member.

Passengers:
— Alison Des Forges, of Buffalo, considered one of the world’s leading experts on the genocide in Rwanda.
— Beverly Eckert, of Stamford, Conn., whose husband died in the World Trade Center attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
— Ellyce Kausner, student at Florida Coastal School of Law.
— Maddy Loftus, of Parsippany, N.J., was headed to Buffalo for weekend reunion of women hockey players.
— Coleman Mellett, guitarist in jazz musician Chuck Mangione’s band.
— Gerry Niewood, saxophonist and member of jazz musician Chuck Mangione’s band.
— Susan Wehle, of Amherst, N.Y., was cantor at Temple Beth Am in Williamsville.
On the Web
Audio of air traffic control

CLARENCE, N.Y. — A federal official says the crew of a commuter plane that crashed near Buffalo discussed “significant ice buildup” on the wings and windshield before the crash.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Steve Chealander also says the twin turboprop aircraft went through a “severe pitch and roll” after positioning its flaps for a landing.

Continental Connection Flight 3407 from Newark, N.J., was coming in for a landing when it went down in light snow and fog late Thursday. It was a few miles short of Buffalo-Niagara International Airport.

It crashed into a house. Forty-nine people aboard the plane and one person on the ground died.

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