FBI Probes N.Y. Jumbo Jet Vandalism

NEW YORK The FBI said today it is investigating recent vandalismof several Tower Air jumbo jets.

The Federal Aviation Administration and Port Authority policealso are investigating, FBI spokesman Joseph Valiquette said.

Someone has gotten into five Boeing 747s at John F. KennedyInternational Airport in the last three months to cut numerous wiresconnected to vital systems, Newsday reported.

Investigators have not ruled out terrorism as a motive becauseTower Air flies to Israel, unidentified federal sources told Newsday.

Authorities also are investigating the possibility that adisgruntled worker is to blame.

Valiquette declined to discuss exactly what happened or whomight be behind the problem.

There was "never ever a question with respect to . . . flightsafety" airline owner Morris Nachtomi told Newsday.

In each case, crews discovered the damage after getting falsereadings from cockpit instruments during pre-flight checks.

If the tampering had not been discovered before takeoff, falsereadings could have misled the pilot. The type of 747 that wasdamaged seats 400 passengers.

Tower also flies to U.S. cities and Europe.