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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Harrison Ford's Plane Crashes; Car/Knife Attack In East Jerusalem; The Growing Lure Of ISIS; ISIS Bulldozes Ancient Iraqi City; Next Crisis Could Cost Bank $490B

Aired March 06, 2015 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Harrison Ford battered and bruised and in the hospital this morning. Luckily he's doing OK after crash-landing that plane on to a golf course. We have new information about how this all happened ahead.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: A close call at LaGuardia Airport, a delta plane skids off the runway, crashing just feet from an icy bay.

BERMAN: Thousands of flights canceled, the roads are just awful, after a severe storm pummeled the Northeast. We'll tell you what you can expect today.

Welcome back to EARLY START, everyone. I'm John Berman.

ROMANS: I'm Christine Romans. It's about 30 minutes past the hour. It is Friday, and a lot going on. Nice to see you this morning.

This morning, NTSB investigators are on the scene where Harrison Ford's vintage airplane crash landed on a southern California golf course. Like the plane itself, Ford badly banged up. He walked away from the crash, but was hospitalized with moderate injuries. Crews will move the plane to a different location where investigators can get a closer look.

People near Santa Monica airport could tell something was wrong seconds after the 1942 military trainer took off. They could hear it, they say, in the engine noise. One neighbor recorded the emergency landing on his phone. Look at that. CNN's Kyung Lah has this report from Venice, California.

KYUNG LAH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: John, Christine, investigators have been here in the overnight hours trying to figure out exactly why this vintage plane lost power in the engine. What you can see over my shoulder is this extraordinary landing.

You can see that the nose of this plane is bent into the ground. This is a small golf course that you're looking at. The propeller is ground into the grass, but look at the body of the plane. It really wasn't that damaged.

Harrison Ford was seated in one of those two seats. He did have some head injuries. But some of the people here, witnesses say that he was bleeding from the head, but they managed to get him out, take him to the hospital. He's pointed toward the runway. Neighbors say they actually heard the engine stall.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JENS LUCKING, WITNESS: Having problems and then he turned around, when he was right by the house, the engine cut out, and then he turned around, and that's what I heard, he turned around, and he tried to get back to the airport.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LAH: That neighbor says Ford is quite a good pilot to manage right here, only 30 yards from where I'm standing. The houses are about 50 yards away. Ford's publicist says he is banged up but should be OK -- John, Christine.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: All right, our thanks to Kyung Lah for that.

New information here in New York where there was a crashlanding at New York's LaGuardia Airport. The Delta flight slid off an icy runway. It came to rest just a few feet from the frigid waters of flushing bay.

This morning, two huge industrial cranes are moving that plane off that berm where the flight came to rest. They want to be able to use this runway again. CNN's Will Ripley has the latest from LaGuardia.

WILL RIPLEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): John and Christine, throughout the overnight hours, work continuing here to move that Delta flight off of the runway where it landed. Slid about 4,000 feet and ended dangerously close to the icy water, Delta 1086.

We saw pictures coming in of two large cranes that were intending to lift the aircraft, turn it around, and bring it into a hangar as the NTSB continues to investigate how this happened.

Passengers describe a really terrifying scenario as this plane from Atlanta was coming in on Thursday morning, around 11:00, shortly after 11:00. They say there was no traction. They felt a thud. They were thrown and then the plane just kept sliding, again, 4,000 feet on the 7,000 foot runway.

The nose crashed right through a fence and were it not for a berm that the plane became wedged on, the plane could have actually slid into the water, which would have been a very dangerous scenario.

As it turned out, passengers were able to evacuate. There was a problem with some of the emergency chutes. They didn't deploy. Firefighters climbed up on the wing and they helped these people, some of them without jackets on, climb out, walk off of the plane and trudge on the snowy runway through the cold, through the ice and snow, to safety.

But remarkably everybody was able to walk away from this and another thing that is being looked into right now, just minutes before this plane landed, runway conditions, the braking conditions were reported to be good by two other planes. It just goes to show the dangers of taking off and in this case landing in this icy weather, winter weather that has caused a number of travel delays in the New York area and across the country -- John and Christine.

ROMANS: The runway accident at LaGuardia is making a bad travel situation even worse across the country.

BERMAN: That storm and the cancellations of nearly 5,000 flights in the U.S. on Thursday. That means more than 20 percent of all flights never left the ground. Icy conditions made travel on roads just as tough. Look at this, surveillance video from Rhode Island.

Out of control hatchback there, it looks like a crossover hit the parked car and then that car went into that woman there. She did walk away from the crash, but she was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

ROMANS: In Philadelphia, the weight of the snow and the ice caused the roof of a fire story apartment building to collapse. One resident was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

BERMAN: In Connecticut, look at that barn collapsing under the heavyweight of the snow there. You can see it just caved in. None of the horses, they were rescue horses kept inside of the barn, none of the horses were hurt, but they need to find a new home.

ROMANS: This tractor trailer carrying overturned on a Maryland highway. No people hurt in this crash, but we don't know the condition of any of those cows.

BERMAN: And then there was this in Kentucky. Drivers stranded on I- 65 for hours. The governor says state officials did all they could to prepare, but still, a whole lot of people there for a long time.

ROMANS: In West Virginia, flooding, severe flooding, rivers swelling, roads submerged, people who braved the conditions having a really hard time getting around, similar scene playing out in Virginia, roads looking like rivers after the storm swelled rivers over their banks.

BERMAN: This storm, the snow part is moving out in the Atlantic. That's good, right, but behind it did --

ROMANS: Bad.

BERMAN: Cold temperatures. Derek Van Dam with an early look at the weather -- Daren.

DEREK VAN DAM, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, John and Christine. For our viewers watching at home along the east coast of the United States, you'll want to be prepared for big changes in the weather heading out the door. Look at this. We're running 20 to 35 degrees below where we were this time yesterday, believe it or not.

In fact, we should be about 46 for daytime highs in the big apple, but we're going to run about 18 degrees below average for the day, 28 is your maximum temperature, 30 degrees only for the nation's capital.

Now this storm that brought the heavy snowfall to Kentucky is moving its way out. We say goodbye and good riddance. Behind it, high pressure clears things out, but brings in a very deceiving sunshine to much of the east coast. We'll take it, right?

A few scattered showers expected across the Florida panhandle. There are some signs of spring, though, if you're located in the big apple. Look at this, temperatures on the increase through the weekend and the early parts of next week.

Many of us wondering is this the last of old man winter. Only one thing is for sure, we have 14 days until the first day of spring. Enjoy.

ROMANS: All right, thanks for that.

Breaking news out of Israel this morning, police are treating a car attack in East Jerusalem as terrorism. Officials say five people were injured including four soldiers. A suspect who police say tried to run over and also stab several people was shot by police, taken into custody.

We get more now from CNN's Oren Lieberman in Jerusalem. Oren, tell us what happened, what is the latest.

OREN LIEBERMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Christine, we're learning more here by the minute about what happened at about 10:00 local time, a short distance from where we are here and not all that far north of the old city.

Police say right around 10:00, a driver on Route 1 was heading north on Route 1 when police say that driver swerved into what would be a bike lane or sidewalk and hit four Israeli female soldiers as well as a cyclist.

Police say that driver then turned back on to the road and kept going a short distance later, quarter of a mile later, police say a security guard from nearby the light rail came out and opened fire on the car, stopping the car.

Police say the suspect then hopped out of the car with a knife and at that point, they say that security guard shot the suspect twice. He's been taken into custody. He's in the hospital severely wounded.

Police say as for the other five people, the four Israeli female soldiers and the cyclist, they are lightly to moderately wounded and they are also being treated as you said police treating this as a terrorist attack.

Just to give you a better idea of where this is, this is right on the border, right on the line, I should say. It's not an official border between east and west Jerusalem, a short distance north of the old city so very tense area right now.

And, Christine, a short time ago, Hamas released a statement, not taking responsibility for the attack, but praising and blessing the attack.

ROMANS: All right, Oren, thank you for that.

BERMAN: The State Department is refuting reports that Hillary Clinton violated policy by using personal e-mail while secretary of state. An official says the department's policy manual allows sensitive, but unclassified information to be, quote, "handled on a system with certain security requirements except certain circumstances."

We're also now told a review of the former secretary's e-mails could take months. It has also been revealed that Mrs. Clinton was using personal e-mail even while her own inspector general was warning against the practice.

The watchdog questioned the then ambassador to Kenya for doing so in 2012, using personal e-mail. Now it does turn out some other politicians including Republicans have set up their own private e-mail accounts and used them while in office.

Jeb Bush did so while he was governor of Florida, had his own private domain and own server registered to his address while governor of Florida.

ROMANS: All right, 38 minutes past the hour, time for an EARLY START on your money. U.S. stock futures are barely moving. The Dow climbed almost 40 points yesterday. Watch the bank stocks today. They all passed the fed's tough stress test and the February jobs report is at 8:30 Eastern.

Economists polled by CNN Money predict 235,000 jobs added. The jobless rate likely slips slightly to 5.6 percent. Also watch wages, they have ledge during the recovery. Wage growth just 2.2 percent, well below the Federal Reserve's target.

But as the job market strengthens, tightens, pay should start to catch up so watch that. It could be an important jobs report today.

A new warning meanwhile from the FBI, a warning about ISIS, how these terrorists are recruiting American teenagers, that's next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Chilling warning from the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security. More American teens than ever are being drawn to ISIS. Law enforcement agencies across the country are being told to stay alert, especially after the arrest of a Virginia teenager accused of being an ISIS recruiter. Let's get more now from CNN national correspondent, Suzanne Malveaux.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Christine, John, I talked with a terrorist analyst who said the reason ISIS' lure is so powerful for young people is that it draws on this fantastical notion, this misguided religious belief that the terrorist group is fighting a legitimate holy war. Second, it is happening in a world, the world of cyber-communication, where this message has largely gone unchecked. So the FBI and Homeland Security are warning law enforcement about young Americans wanting to fight with ISIS.

This warning comes just days after a 17-year-old from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. was arrested, accused of recruiting for is. Authorities say he was also helping the man travel to Syria to fight for the terrorist group.

A Twitter account consistent with young man's name and profile, include this cartoon of a man apparently dreaming of becoming a Jihadist and another with a photo and caption, "East Asian Mujahidin fighting for ISIS."

According to federal law enforcement officials, more than 180 Americans have traveled or attempted to travel to Syria and Iraq to join militant groups including ISIS. Some are as young as 15.

The Virginia teen is just the latest case of young Americans believed lured by ISIS and their powerful propaganda, just last month three men living in Brooklyn including a 19-year-old were arrested for allegedly attempting to wage Jihad with ISIS.

And just last fall three teenage girls from Denver were caught in Germany, not far from their alleged goal of joining ISIS in Syria -- Christine, John.

BERMAN: Our thanks to Suzanne Malveaux for that report.

All right, let's take a look at what's coming up on "NEW DAY," Chris Cuomo joins us now. Hi, Chris.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR, "NEW DAY": JB, Christine, happy Friday. Hope you both have a good weekend. Nice cup you got there, John. So there are two big plane crashes to talk about. Harrison Ford crashing a small plane on a golf course, not the first time he's had trouble in the air. We're going to talk with a friend who has flown with him and give you his latest status.

But the one to look at more deeply is that plane at LaGuardia that almost skidded off the runway, reminders of 1992 when flushing bay swallowed two dozen people, real issues about safety and about money versus safety. We'll dig in on this.

And Alisyn Camerota not next to me, she's in Dallas, speaking exclusively with former first lady, Laura Bush. Looking at ways to advance opportunities for women around the world and there is a surprise live shot that she's going to bring us that you'll all want to see. That's what we got for you.

BERMAN: That's good stuff. Thanks, Chris.

BERMAN: Iraqi forces trying to take back a crucial city from ISIS, the battle could lead to bigger problems for Iraq down the road. We explain, we're live in Baghdad next. (COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Iran is gaining new traction, new influence inside Iraq. Iranian-backed militia has taken the lead in the offensive to retake Tikrit from ISIS. Senior Iranian military leaders are openly directing this mission. The U.S. is on the sidelines here.

This is all happening as ISIS fighters have destroyed another piece of Iraqi history. They bulldozed an ancient Syrian city. Want to bring in CNN's senior international correspondent, Ben Wedeman, live in Baghdad this morning. Good morning, Ben.

BEN WEDEMAN, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John. Yes, the Iranians definitely have a role in this current operation outside Tikrit. We were in that area just two miles to the south of the center of that city, which is still under ISIS control.

We did not see any Iranian advisers or anything along those lines, however in speaking with soldiers, officers, as well as a member of the Iraqi parliament, definitely there is, shall we say, an appreciation for the Iranian role.

That member of parliament telling me that the Iranian assistance to Iraq is in his words much more effective than the American assistance and he was highly critical of the fact that the U.S. was not involved in providing any sort of air cover for Iraqi forces around Tikrit.

Even though it must be added that Iraqi officials say they did not ask for any assistance. An American official say they did not receive a request. But, for instance, today, we received a video handout from one of the Iranian supported military, Iraqi military groups around Tikrit and it clearly shows Iraq, Iranian advisers overlooking -- looking over a map, very close to the front lines.

Now, as far as those reports about the destruction of the city of Nimrud, a Syrian city that dates back to the 13th Century B.C. Last night, we received a statement from the Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and antiquities saying that ISIS had dispatched bulldozers to this ancient city about 18 miles to the south of Mosul.

We also received reports that ISIS-controlled mosques in Mosul, saying that Nimrud would be destroyed. This really is just in line with the actions of ISIS going back many months.

Only last week after all that is proudly posted video of their people destroying ancient statues and artifacts from the museum in Mosul. And, of course, it is not just what ISIS is doing, because of unrest in places like Libya, Egypt, Iraq, and Syria.

There has been sort of a rampage against ancient archaeological sites, not just by ISIS, but ordinary people, desperate to make money by selling these antiquities on the black market -- John.

BERMAN: Huge loss. Ben Wedeman for us, thanks so much.

ROMANS: All right, how does 16 weeks paid maternity leave sound, 16 weeks, and how about being paid for full time work for six months after that even if you don't come back?

BERMAN: That can't be happening in the United States.

ROMANS: I'm going to tell you the company where it is happening next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: Let's get an EARLY START on your money this morning. Stocks around the world and futures here are on hold ahead of the February jobs report. Yesterday, the Dow climbed about 40 points, still very close to Monday's all-time high. That jobs report at 8:30 this morning.

Big news for banks, for the first time since the Federal Reserve started its stress tests, all the banks passed the fed's test. The fed says banks would lose $490 billion if the economy plunged into a deep recession. That's the worst case scenario.

And the fed says the banks are more prepared than ever to survive it. Banks have shored up their capital reserves to prevent a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.

Vodafone will give its employees 16 weeks paid maternity leave no matter where they live in the world. That's kind of a small break in Europe where the British telecom company is based, but the universal policy is a huge perk in other countries.

For example, the United States does not guarantee paid maternity leave, doesn't guarantee it at all. Vodafone says this policy will save the company money because it will help with recruitment and retention.

It's also International Women's Day this weekend, so big spotlight being shined on policies like this for women and families around the world.

BERMAN: Happy International Women's Day this weekend.

ROMANS: Thank you, you too.

BERMAN: Harrison Ford is in the hospital after crash landing his plane. We have new details on the crash. "NEW DAY" starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: 53178, engine failure, request return.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actor, Harrison Ford, has crashed his plane.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think it's amazing that he made it back. I mean, he must be a very good pilot.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Aircraft off the runway.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This plane slid off Runway 13 at LaGuardia Airport. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We did not feel the wheels take traction.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Amateur footage reveals a now-famous face, Jihadi John, the executioner, who was always hidden behind swaths of black clothing in ISIS videos.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I knew my legs were gone.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jurors and others could be seen fighting back tears.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Testimony that if you're ever going to sway a jury that's on the fence about the death penalty, this is the kind that would.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

CUOMO: Good morning. Welcome to your NEW DAY. It's Friday, March 6th, just before 6:00 in the east. Alisyn Camerota is going to join us from the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas. Announcing her candidacy? Not quite. We'll get back to her in a moment.

ALISYN CAMEROTA, CNN ANCHOR: Not yet.

CUOMO: We'll get back to her in a moment, though, she looks very presidential.

This morning we have two terrifying air scares to tell you about. We have new information about a delta jet that skidded off a snowy runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport. It stopped just short of plunging into the bay. And Indiana Jones cheating death one more time in real life.

MICHAELA PEREIRA, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, actor, Harrison Ford, battered and bruised, but very much alive after crash-landing his vintage World War II airplane on a golf course when the engine stalled just after takeoff.

We have reporters on the ground covering both of these close calls on both coasts. We'll begin with Paul Vercammen in Venice, California -- Paul.

PAUL VERCAMMEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Michaela, Harrison Ford, no doubt trying to get back to the airport. He sees green, a golf course in this residential neighborhood, and he sticks the landing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

VERCAMMEN (voice-over): This cell phone video capturing moments just before a two-seat plane piloted by actor, Harrison Ford, crash-lands on a golf course in California. Ford had just taken off from Santa Monica Airport when the World War II vintage plane experienced a problem. The actor instantly is calling for help.

HARRISON FORD: Engine failure, immediate return.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL: 178 cleared to land.

VERCAMMEN: The Hollywood legend and experienced pilot clipping a tree top as the single-engine plane attempted to land back at the airport, but fell short, crash-landing on a course just steps away from a residential neighborhood.