More time is needed to recover an engine that broke off a US Airways plane that splashed down in the Hudson River, federal authorities said.
It was thought the engine — located by police divers Wednesday about 65 feet below the icy water — could be pulled up as early as Thursday. But the National Transportation Safety Board now said it will need another day or two to coordinate the recovery.
Investigators want to inspect the engine to better understand how it stopped running after the plane hit a flock of birds shortly after taking off from LaGuardia Airport. Most of the Airbus A320 is at a New Jersey marina, where investigators will study it.
Investigators on Wednesday found the remains of what may be a bird in the other engine, which was recovered.
The pilot of Flight 1549, Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, reported a "double bird strike" and a loss of power in both engines before gliding the plane to an emergency river landing last week. All 155 people on board the flight to Charlotte, N.C., survived.
On Jan. 13, two days before the accident, the aircraft's right engine experienced a power surge. Subsequent maintenance work included the replacement of a temperature probe.
"Investigators from the NTSB's maintenance records group are researching this report by examining applicable maintenance records and procedures," the board said in a statement.
Police already located several pieces of debris from the flight, including 35 flotation seat cushions, 12 life jackets, 15 pieces of luggage, two briefcases, 11 purses, 15 suit jackets and shirts, four shoes and two hats, Browne said.