Crews were expected to recover the passenger jet's cockpit, though high wind gusts and tidal conditions could slow operations, said Col. Francis B. Pera of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is leading the multi-agency operation.

Authorities said the death is not related to the American Airlines and Black Hawk helicopter collision that happened on Wednesday night.

The Army Corps said it is first salvaging the jet — which still is believed to have bodies in it — and afterward, it will recover the fallen Black Hawk.