Airline blames pilot error in fatal February crash near Buffalo

ROCHESTER -- A regional airline is blaming the pilot for the commuter plane crash that killed 50 people near Buffalo.

Colgan Air says in a report submitted this month to the National Transportation Safety Board that the pilot's inattention and failure to follow safety rules likely caused Flight 3407 to plummet from the sky on Feb. 12.

An NTSB investigation exposed a series of critical errors by the twin-engine turboprop's captain, Marvin Renslow, and co-pilot Rebecca Shaw that preceded the crash. Its report on the crash is expected to be released early next year.

The Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 experienced an aerodynamic stall before plunging to the ground, killing all 49 aboard and one man in a house below.

The Buffalo News reported the airline's account on Monday.

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Town mulls plane crash victims' memorial site

CLARENCE -- The suburban Buffalo town where a commuter plane crashed earlier this year is seeking the public's suggestions for memorials dedicated to the crash victims.

The Flight 3407 Memorial Committee held a public forum Monday night to discuss possible locations for a civic memorial site in the town of Clarence. Another smaller memorial is planned for the private property where the Colgan Air commuter plane crashed into a house, killing all 49 on board and a man in the home.

The home was destroyed in the Feb. 12 crash.

Possible sites for the public memorial include the Clarence Town Hall, two local parks and a soccer complex.

Investigators say the plane experienced an aerodynamic stall while approaching the Buffalo airport. The airline blames pilot's error the crash.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)