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The probe into the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has turned “shambolic,” according to international leaders, and an intercepted communication appears to capture Moscow directing Russian separatists in Ukraine to keep evidence out of the hands of objective investigators.

(CNN) -- Early speculation about the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 has centered on the possibility it could have been shot down as it passed over volatile eastern Ukraine. After all, Ukrainian officials say pro-Russia separatists, or possibly Russia, were behind the shooting down of two Ukrainian aircraft in recent days.

Charles Johnson of Little Green Footballs broke this earlier. Possible SAM fired at passenger plane. Michelle Malkin followed up and has verified that there was an "incident" at JFK International Airport in NY. America West Flight 17, 6:05p.m. flight involved. Details still emerging.... Read stories: http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/ http://michellemalkin.com/archives/003563.htm

I’ve just received a credible tip from an LGF reader that an America West flight out of New York was fired upon by a surface to air missile yesterday, and that the pilot and passengers witnessed it and are now being questioned by the FAA and FBI. That’s the extent of the information I currently have, and please note: right now this is completely unverified.

saturday, september 17, 2005 I’ve just received a credible tip from an LGF reader that an America West flight out of New York was fired upon by a surface to air missile yesterday, and that the pilot and passengers witnessed it and are now being questioned by the FAA and FBI. That’s the extent of the information I currently have, and please note: right now this is completely unverified.

***scroll down for an important update*** A number of us in the blogosphere have been catching wind of rumors that a surface-to-air missile was fired at an America West flight originating out of New York. Here's a post at Little Green Footballs, where many commenters are wisely skeptical but wanting more info. I just got off the phone with Phil Gee, associate manager of media relations at America West, who promptly returned my late evening call. Here's what he told me: On Sept. 15 (Thursday), America West Flight 17 took off from JFK Airport at 6:05pm EDT [Update: The actual...