The separate flight data recorder also could prove valuable because it would have recorded actions taken by the pilots during the 78 minutes they did not respond to repeated calls from air traffic controllers, the former accident investigator said.

CNN: Crew of wayward airliner cooperative, sober, police say

The accident happened in an area which is not under air traffic control, a FAA official who did not want to be identified discussing the details of the accident told CNN.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The high levels of Sizewell C traffic would result in increased journey times, a higher accident rate and poorer air quality, the report said.

BBC: Suffolk County Council report calls for villages bypass