Wrecked plane 'appears to be Fossett's'

The wreckage of a small plane found today in California “appears to be the aircraft piloted by adventurer Steve Fossett”, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

A pilot’s licence and a second identification document featuring Fossett’s details, which were found by a hiker, were also confirmed as authentic today, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson said.

Richard Branson said he expects the body of his “great and extraordinary” friend to be found soon.