First pilot did n't completely lose radio frequency , NTSB says . He and pilot then were distracted by computers , personal computers , NTSB says . The two pilots `` became distracted by a conversation '' about the airline 's new work schedule system and by laptop computers they were using in violation of company policy and did not communicate with air traffic control for about 1 hour and 17 minutes while they cruised past their Minneapolis , Minnesota , destination at 37,000 feet , the NTSB said . It also blames air traffic controllers for not realizing problem earlier .
First pilot did n't completely lose radio frequency , NTSB says . He and pilot then were distracted by computers , personal computers , NTSB says . It also blames air traffic controllers for not realizing problem earlier .