Italian crash investigators have recovered the cockpit voice recorder of the Air Algérie Lockhee L100-30 Hercules which crashed last week near Piacenza, northern Italy, while en route from Algiers to Frankfurt.

The civilian cargo aircraft broke up on impact on the outskirts of the city killing the three crew. Safety body ANSV has launched an investigation into the crash, which happened on 13 August.

ANSV says the aircraft (7T-VHG) was in contact with Milan air traffic control at 24,000ft (7,300m), but lost contact as it descended through 13,500ft for an unknown reason. According to local reports, the pilot had warned Milan air traffic control that there had been a loss of engine power.

Source: Flight International