New Evidence Suggests Malfunctioning Engine May Have Contributed to USAir Crash

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation into the fatal USAir crash that killed all 132 people on board has revealed new evidence that may have contributed to the disaster. The investigation, which is still in its early stages, has found that the right engine's thrust reverser, a braking mechanism, may have partially deployed, causing the plane to suddenly roll to the left and plummet from over a mile high. The evidence, while not conclusive, has increased investigators' suspicion that the engine's malfunction may have played a role in the crash.

Key Takeaways:

The National Transportation Safety Board has found new evidence suggesting that the right engine of the USAir jet may have malfunctioned during flight.
The suspected malfunctioning engine's thrust reverser, a braking mechanism, may have partially deployed, causing the plane to suddenly roll to the left and plummet.
The engine's thrust reverser had been repaired just over two months prior to the crash.
Three out of six actuators that control the position of the right engine's thrust reverser were found in a deployed condition, while one was not deployed.
The inboard part of the cowl, which allows the thrust reverser to operate, has not been found.
Investigators suspect that the three extended actuators may relate to the inboard cowl or sleeve.
The rudders on Boeing 737's have been under investigation for years due to potential risks.

Statistics:

132 people died in the USAir crash.
The right engine's thrust reverser had been repaired just over two months prior to the crash.
Four out of six actuators on the left engine's thrust reverser were found in a normal position.
The inboard part of the cowl, which allows the thrust reverser to operate, has not been found.

Sources:

National Transportation Safety Board officials (no specific publication date)
United States Air Force (no specific publication date)
Chicago Tribune (no specific publication date)