Second black box of crashed EgyptAir flight retrieved

A second flight recorder has been retrieved from the crashed EgyptAir flight MS804, containing data from aircraft systems which could shed light on what brought the plane down last month, Egyptian investigators said on Friday.

An Egyptian committee investigating the crash into the eastern Mediterranean Sea made the announcement a day after search teams found the cockpit voice recorder in a breakthrough for investigators seeking to explain what caused the plane to go down, killing all 66 people on board.

The two black boxes are crucial in helping to unravel why the Airbus A320 crushed in the Mediterranean Sea on May 19 on its way from Paris to Cairo.

The Egyptian investigation committee said preparations were under way to transfer the two flight recorders to Alexandria where they will be examined by investigators and prosecutors.

The cause of the crash remains a mystery, but investigation sources have said that it was too early to rule out any causes, including terrorism.

The cockpit recorder should reveal pilot conversations and any cockpit alarms, as well as other clues such as engine noise. But crash experts say it may provide only limited insight into what caused the crash, especially if the crew was confused or unable to diagnose any faults.

The crash is the third blow since October to Egypt’s travel industry.

Reuters, News Agencies