Salvage Crews Dismantle Plane as Memorials Begin

American Airlines crews began dismantling the broken and charred shell of an airliner Saturday, while mourners attended the first of several memorial services for the nine people killed in the crash of Flight 1420.

Federal investigators hope that while moving the wreckage they will learn more about the mechanics of the plane’s spoilers--wing panels used to slow an airplane after landing.

Although the co-pilot has said he believes the captain set the spoilers, a flight data recorder indicates they never popped up when the plane landed in a severe thunderstorm Tuesday and skidded off the end of the runway.

The plane struck a steel walkway leading to landing approach lights, split apart and caught fire, killing Capt. Richard Buschmann and eight passengers.

A memorial service was held Saturday in the small town of Royal, near Hot Springs, for James Harrison, 21, a Ouachita Baptist University student who was returning from a choir trip.

“It was a service where we healed some of our hurt,” said crash survivor and fellow student Misha Perkins, adding that there were both tears and laughter during the private service attended by about 200. “I know James is not worse off; we may be.”

American Airlines is offering $25,000 checks to survivors of the deceased. The money comes with no conditions, meaning people can accept them without giving up their legal options.

Investigators kept watch as salvage crews loaded the MD-82’s two jet engines onto a flatbed trailer, then prepared the plane’s wings and fuselage for removal.

Investigators have said that the cockpit lever that sets the spoilers for landing was found in an unusual position. Also the mechanical checklist operated by First Officer Michael Origel displayed data for takeoff instead of landing.

But NTSB lead investigator Greg Feith said both irregularities could have been caused when the plane crashed or during rescue efforts.