Investigators suspect iOS device in plane crash that killed 66

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iPhone on plane
Apple is not involved in the investigation.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

French officials are investigating the possibility of whether an iPhone or iPad was the cause of EgyptAir Flight 804.

The 2016 crashed killed 66 people yet the investigators have been stumped on what brought the plane down. Some new clues may hint that it was an overheating iOS device that sparked the catastrophe.

According to a report from French paper Le Parisien, officials say an Apple iPhone 6S and an iPad Mini 4 belonging to the flight’s first officer may have been plugged into an improper socket in the plane’s cockpit.

The claim runs contrary to an open criminal investigation conducted by Egypt official. Back in December, Egypt said it believes the crash was caused by an bomb of some sorts, after finding what it claims was explosive residue on some of the victims.

So far Apple is is not involved in the investigation. Apple released the following statement to Business Insider this afternoon:

“We haven’t been contacted by [Air Transport Gendarmerie] or any authority investigating this tragic event. We have not seen any report, but we understand there is no evidence to link this event to Apple products. If investigators have questions for us, we would, of course, assist in any way we can. We rigorously test our products to ensure they meet or exceed international safety standards.”

Flight data from the crash has still been inconclusive. On May 19, 2016, EgyptAir Flight 804 dropped from radar coverage while flying over the Mediterranean Sea. Before crashing, Greek defense systems logged the planed as it cruised at 37,000 feet. It then made a sharp 90 degree turn left before going 360 degrees right before dropping off radar.

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