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iPad may reveal clues to Rockefeller plane crash

Investigators have recovered an iPad and engine equipment that may reveal clues about the Westchester plane crash that killed the great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, officials said Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board hopes the items will help them retrace the last few minutes of the life of Maine doctor Richard Rockefeller, 64, during Friday’s crash.

Emergency vehicles and personnel stand near a command post set up near the wreckage of the Piper 46 Malibu Meridian.AP

There was no flight data recorder on the Piper 46 Malibu Meridian. Private plane owners are not required to install them.

Officials now believe the plane crashed into pine trees in Purchase just two minutes after it took off, and plan to look at its maintenance records next, an NTSB spokesman said.

Investigators also will try to retrace Rockefeller’s last 72 hours, and will review his autopsy and toxicology report.

The wreckage of the plane will be held in Delaware during the investigation, and then will either be released to the Rockefeller family or his insurance company.

Rockefeller had been celebrating the 99th birthday of his father, David, the night before the crash.