1.   They have launched an investigation into the apparent instrument malfunction.

2.   In Washington, US Defense Secretary William Perry said Thursday an instrument malfunction appeared to have caused the crash.

3.   A government spokesman initially said there had been a fire in the hold but Cathay Chairman Peter Sutch told AFP it looked like an instrument malfunction.

4.   A government spokesman initially said there had been a fire in the hold but Sutch told AFP it looked like an instrument malfunction.

5.   The spokesman initially said there had been a fire in the hold but Sutch told AFP it looked like an instrument malfunction.

6.   US Defense Secretary William Perry suggested Thursday that an instrument malfunction may have been to blame.

7.   US Defense Secretary William Perry ruled out hostile action and said an instrument malfunction appeared to have caused the crash.

8.   US Defense Secretary William Perry said an instrument malfunction may have been to blame.