The FBI believes there was an explosion on board the Airbus A-300 which crashed in The Queens Borough of New York City.
Officers are now investigating whether the blast was the result of a mechanical failure or sabotage.
Intelligence agencies, the FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are reviewing all recent intelligence for any signs that terrorism was involved.
An official said: "They are comparing information to see if it provides any insight into what transpired. At this point, there's no indication of a terrorist attack, but it certainly can't be ruled out in the current environment."
Bill Schumann, of the Federal Aviation Administration, said there was no immediate indication of what caused the crash.
At the Pentagon two defence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no additional fighters had been dispatched to the New York area and that the entire matter was being handled by the FAA as a domestic disaster with no apparent military implications.
The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team to investigate.