Pathologists Study Shuttle Crew Remains

Pathologists today examined crew remains recovered from Challenger’s shattered cabin, sources reported, while the ocean search continued for more body parts and debris such as data tapes that might provide clues to the disaster.

Some remains and cabin wreckage were brought ashore secretly Saturday night by the Navy salvage ship Preserver, which entered port without running lights, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

In announcing Sunday that the cabin debris and remains had been located, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration did not say whether anything had been recovered. The agency said it would respect family wishes and not comment again until the operation was completed.

Total Recovery Unknown

The sources did not know if remains of all seven astronauts who died in the fiery explosion 73 seconds after Challenger left its launch pad here Jan. 28 had been located.

They said recovered body parts were taken to a hospital at Patrick Air Force Base, 25 miles south of here, where they were examined today by forensic experts from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology.

The condition of the bodies was not known by the sources, but they said “we’re talking about remains, not bodies.”

The examinations were not only for identification, but also could help determine whether the astronauts were burned to death, poisoned by fumes, died from sudden loss of cabin pressure, were killed by flying debris or by impact with the water, or drowned.

Determination Difficult

The exact cause of death might be difficult to determine because the bodies have been in the water for six weeks and may have been the victims of sea scavengers.

The sources also reported several of the crew members’ personal effects had been recovered, including tape recorders on which they had planned to record their impressions of the flight.

NASA spokesmen said nothing today.