Florida Learjet crash investigators dig up engine piece after pilots warned of rough weather ahead

Investigators have recovered part of an engine from the Learjet 60 that crashed in Greenacres, Florida, killing all nine people aboard. The find may help establish what happened, as the National Transportation Safety Board examines the crash and the severe weather reported by the crew.

Excavation began on Wednesday after workers drained water and cleared hazards at the site. Investigators had earlier recovered the left tail elevator in three pieces, one nearly four miles from the crash; air traffic control had warned the pilots of nearby precipitation, and the crew later reported icing and turbulence. The jet’s cockpit voice recorder has not been found, and investigators have not confirmed whether it was aboard.