Chealander said the last 30 minutes of the CVR recorded that the crew of the accident aircraft briefed an ILS approach to runway 23 at Buffalo; and briefed weather of three miles visibility with snow and mist. At an altitude of about 16,000 feet they reported hazy conditions and requested a descent to 12,000 ft. Soon after, they were cleared by ATC to descend to 11,000 feet.
The crew "discussed significant ice build-up" on the windshield and the leading edges of the aircraft's wings. Just prior to those comments, the FDR indicated that airframe de-ice was selected 'on'.
One minute before the recordings ended, the crew extended the landing gear, and 20 seconds after that, 'flaps 15' was selected. Within 15 seconds of the flaps command, the flight director indicated a "series of severe pitch and roll excursions." Shortly thereafter -- and just before the end of the recording -- the crew "attempted to raise the landing gear and the flaps," said Chealander.
Since this is very early in the investigation, Chealander declined to elaborate or engage in any interpretation of the factual information presented.
Here is the video of the entire press briefing, which was held earlier today at the Buffalo Marriott Niagara, Amherst, NY, courtesy of MSNBC TV.
If the video does not play or display properly above, click here to view it on MSNBC.com.
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