Brazil jet reverse thruster 'off'

A reverse thruster on the plane which crashed in Brazil killing some 200 people had been deactivated during maintenance checks, the airline says.

The reversers help jets slow down on landing but Tam Airlines insisted the deactivation was in accordance with proper procedures.

The Tam Airlines' Airbus 320 overshot the runway at Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport, hit buildings and exploded.

There has been intense speculation but no confirmation on the crash's cause.