Bodies, debris provide vital clues about Flight 447 crash

Agrees William Waldock, who teaches air crash investigation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. According to Waldock, the lateral fracture on the vertical stabilizer of the tail fin of Flight 447 suggests that "the plane broke up in flight."

"If it hits intact, everything shatters in tiny pieces," Waldock said.

Examining the fracture surfaces will also be key, Waldock said, since it will indicate from what direction the force came that snapped the piece.

Absence of visible burn marks on the vertical stabilizer also suggests that the plane probably did not erupt in flames as it went down, Waldock said. However, "any explosion or fire in the fuselage would likely not make its way back to the tail section," he added.

Waldock also said the location where the vertical stabilizer was found could provide clues as to where the black boxes are.

"The data and voice recorders are located in the fuselage near the tail section of the jet. Though they may not necessarily be located near where the debris was recovered, yet finding the tail narrows down the area even further," he said.