Search teams and divers have begun recovering large portions of the Cessna Citation CJ4 that had disappeared on December 29 over Lake Erie about two miles offshore. The recovery includes seats and debris that appear to be portions of the fuselage, the city of Cleveland confirms. In addition, the cockpit voice recorder has been recovered and sent to Washington, D.C., for NTSB review.
The aircraft, N614SB, departed from Runway 24R at Cleveland-Burke Lakefront Airport, made a right turn over Lake Erie and reached 3,000 feet before entering a “high speed” descent. All six aboard the flight died in the crash. Officials confirmed that the aircraft was flown by Superior Beverage president and CEO John Fleming. Also reported on board were his wife, Sue; sons Jack and Andrew; neighbor Brian Casey; and Casey's daughter Megan. The passengers were traveling home to Columbus, Ohio, after attending a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game.
The city has worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers on the search and recovery operation that is now in its 12th day. Recovery teams are using an Army Corps tug to break through thick ice on the shores of Lake Erie to resume operations, despite wintery conditions. More than 120 pieces of debris have been recovered so far.