Both Engines Missing From US Airways Plane

The US Airways plane that ditched in the Hudson River yesterday is missing both engines, crucial clues in the investigation, the New York Times reports. Police divers aided by sonar are searching for them even as officials prepare to hoist the plane out of the water tomorrow. Investigators needs them “because there would be physical evidence … if there was a bird strike,” an official said.

Underwing engines often detach in crashes, though investigators don’t know if they went missing on impact or as the plane was towed to its present location near Manhattan’s southern tip. The pilot was set to meet with officials, the Daily News adds; the investigation will likely be easier as his skilled flying saved the plane from breaking up on impact. (More New York City stories.)