WAS JET CREW AT A BAR BEFORE DOOMED FLIGHT?

Investigators in the crash of a USAir jet that skidded off a runway into the East River last week are looking into reports that the cockpit crew was at a bar hours before takeoff, the New York Post said Wednesday.

Detectives were trying to find the hotel bartender who was working Sept. 20 before the Boeing 737-400 crashed at LaGuardia Airport, the newspaper reported, citing sources it did not identify. Two passengers died in the accident.In another development, a grand jury was assembled Tuesday to hear testimony about the crash.

Prosecutors said Monday that Capt. Michael W. Martin and co-pilot Constantine Kleissas tested negative for alcohol, but the urine samples were taken 48 hours after the accident. Experts said alcohol consumed two days earlier would probably not show up anyway.