Mark Rosenker, acting chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, described the remains as "very little" but possibly enough to confirm Fossett's identity, CNN reported. The plane was discovered at 10,000 feet near Mammoth Lakes Wednesday after a hiker stumbled on Fossett's wallet near the crash site.

"I believe the coroner will be able to do some work," Rosenker said.

Madera County Sheriff John Anderson said Fossett appeared to have flown into the side of a mountain. He disappeared Sept. 3, 2007, while making a solo flight from a ranch in Nevada. A court in Illinois declared him dead Feb. 15.

Fossett, 63, made a fortune in financial services. In later life, he became well known as a sportsman and adventurer, setting more than 100 records and firsts, including the first solo balloon trip around the world.