The Federal Aviation Administration believes it knows what caused a computer outage that forced flights to remain grounded last week.
The agency says a preliminary review determined that "contract personnel unintentionally deleted files while working to correct synchronization between the live primary database and a backup database."
The FAA adds that it has found no evidence of a cyberattack or malicious intent.
Most airports in the U.S. held planes at the gate for about two hours on the morning of Jan. 11 while the situation was resolved. Planes were still allowed to land.
Computer breakdown sows chaos across US air travel system
A system used for air travel broke down, leading to all planes being grounded for some time.
The impacted system is known as the Notice to Air Missions System.
NOTAMs used to be available through a hotline but that was phased out with the internet. The alerts span from mundane information about construction at airports to urgent flight restrictions or broken equipment.
All aircraft must route through the system, including commercial and military flights.
Travel expert shares how to get a refund on a canceled flight
Travel Girl magazine founding editor-in-chief Stephanie Oswald shares tips for anyone struggling to get a refund after a canceled flight.
