Get a grip? What does the location/altitude have to do with it? How is it ethical to withhold evidence? I resent the implication that I'm unreasonable for trying to insure that the investigators have the best possible chance to figure out why Columbia crashed. And I am puzzled as to why some of you are defending those who would inhibit such an investigation. I don't necessarily agree with the 1/4 million fine and lengthy prison time -- I merely say that it is unethical to knowingly keep evidence of an accident.
And I agree that "it is unethical to knowingly keep evidence of an accident", and I wouldn't do it.
A lot of you don't seem to understand what an insane thing the machinery of the legal system is. Once it starts running, it'll squash anybody in its path, unless they happen to know the meaning of "is" and the secret handshakes of the Club.