French Polynesian Flight Crash Cause Still Unclear
Sep. 04, 2007
On Sep. 4, French investigators said the recorder of a crashed plane has so far not helped in determining the cause of the accident off the French Polynesian island of Moorea.
According to Radio New Zealand International, the investigators said the quality of the recording was good but it didn't indicate why the Air Moorea Twin Otter plunged into the sea on Aug. 10 shortly after take-off from Moorea.
They said while the pilot said few words there were some noises and an alarm.
All 20 people on board died in the crash but so far only 14 bodies have been recovered.
The wreck was found 700 meters under water after a special vessel equipped with a submarine was brought in from New Caledonia.
French Polynesia is a sprawling possession of France in the Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 volcanic and coral islands and atolls. Moorea is one of French territory's premier tourist destinations.