Two air traffic controllers on duty at the time of last Saturday's air crash over the Hudson River in New York City have been suspended.

A helicopter collided with a small private plane, resulting in the deaths of nine people. Five of those killed were Italian tourists.

One of the two suspended controllers was reportedly making personal telephone calls at the time of the accident. The other, a supervisor, was not at the control centre as required.

The US aviation authorities investigating the crash say the suspensions do not mean that the men's conduct contributed to the cause of the tragedy.