NASA is asking citizens and officials in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah for help to find material from the Space Shuttle Columbia. The material would have fallen from the Shuttle as it was reentering Earth¹s atmosphere.
Everyone is asked to be on the lookout for possible Shuttle material 60 miles north or south of the reentry track, along a line stretching generally from San Francisco to Lafayette, La. particularly in the following counties:
Arizona: Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Mohave;
Nevada: Lincoln;
New Mexico: San Juan, Kane, Beaver;
Utah: Washington, Iron, San Juan, Garfield.
Anyone who finds material, suspected to be from the Shuttle, is urged to avoid contact, because it may be hazardous due to fuel residue. Report such material by calling, toll-free:
1-866-446-6603
Citizens are reminded Shuttle material may not look like typical aircraft components. Pictures of examples of Shuttle debris may be viewed at:
www.nasa.gov/columbia/COL_debris_pix.html
All debris is U.S. Government property and is critical to the investigation of the mishap. Debris from the accident should be left in place and reported to Government authorities. Unauthorized persons found in possession of accident debris will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.