They found the memory unit. ~1 week+ to decode.
The French Bureau of Investigations and Analysis said the memory unit of the flight data recorder was found early Sunday and brought to the surface, although it will be more than a week before it can be examined.
Investigators were initially disheartened last week when an underwater drone located the recorderÂs protective housing without the cylindrical memory module attached.
But on Sunday, the mood at the bureauÂs headquarters was charged with anticipation.
ÂThis is a very happy surprise, Jean-Paul Troadec, the bureauÂs director, said in an interview.
Investigators had said the memory unit was probably dislodged from the housing when the plane hit the water, making it less likely that it would be found amid the rest of the wreckage, on a sandy plane nearly two and a half miles below the surface. ÂWe had been expecting a lengthy search, Mr. Troadec said.
Photos of the memory module showed that it had suffered little exterior corrosion, he said, though it was not clear whether the memory chip inside had been damaged. If it is still readable, it could provide critical information on the planeÂs position, speed, altitude and direction when it ran into trouble.
ÂFirst we need to know if we can read it, he said.
It is good news. With luck, they'll find the voice recorder too.
Cheers,
Scott.