NTSB explains what the investigation into the plane crash in Arvada will look like

ARVADA, Colorado – Hours after a plane crash in an Arvada neighborhood left four people seriously injured, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said its investigation was just beginning.

“He was having engine problems and was trying to get to Rocky Mountain Airport. As you can see, he did not get to Rocky Mountain Airport,” said Alex Lemishko, an NTSB investigator.

The government agency removed all aircraft debris from the roadway and the backyard of an Arvada home on Friday and transported it to a safe location in Greeley, where the investigation will begin.

“They will retrieve the engine from the crash site, place it in a safe location and then examine it more closely to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure on the aircraft,” said Chad Kendall, a professor of aeronautics at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Kendall told Denver7 that the NTSB will consider several key factors in its investigation.

“They’ll look at the aircraft itself. They’ll look at the maintenance history of the aircraft. They’ll look at the mechanical records of the aircraft. They’ll look at the operation of the aircraft, which includes the pilot and the weather,” he said.

In a statement, the NTSB said it would look at “flight data, recordings of all air traffic control communications, weather forecasts, and the actual weather and lighting conditions at the time of the accident.” It would also look at “pilot’s license, ratings, and recent flight experience.” This includes a 72-hour background check on the pilot to determine if there were any issues that may have affected his ability to safely conduct the flight.

The agency also takes witness statements and examines electronic devices that may contain information relevant to the investigation.

“This incident was very complex because you were in a very busy suburb with houses and power lines, so you were trying to find a field or a road where you could safely land the aircraft,” Kendall said.

“The engine was off, you could only hear it floating”: Full eyewitness report on the plane crash in Arvada

Arvada police initially reported two adults and two juveniles. An NTSB spokesman later said two adults were involved and that investigators were trying to “confirm” the ages of the other two involved.

Meanwhile, neighbors in the area told Denver7 they are still shaken by the crash.

“A little out of body. You wouldn’t expect something like this to happen right next to your house, just up the street from where you live,” said Chase Brasher.

The NTSB said it would release a preliminary report on the crash in 30 days. It could take between 12 and 24 months to determine the exact cause of the plane crash.