(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
DEER PARK, Wash. -The FAA and National Transportation and Safety Board continue to investigate a deadly plane crash in Stevens County.
A spokesperson with the NTSB says the preliminary investigation will take seven to 10 days to complete. The spokesperson says investigators are talking to witnesses and examining the wreckage and environment.
On Monday, Moody Bible Institute in Chicago released the following statement:
Thank you for the outpouring of love and support to our Moody Aviation community. Our hearts continue to grieve with them, especially the families and loved ones of those who went to be with the Lord on Friday.
I ask for your patience as the investigation is just getting underway and is being handled by the NTSB. At this stage, Moody Aviation does not have access to information. The NTSB investigation process typically takes time, and we are cooperating as requested with both the NTSB and FAA. Neither the sheriff nor the coroner have confirmed the identities of those involved in the accident.
As a community who loves the Lord and is founded upon His Word, let us continue to seek His face and remember His promises during this deeply challenging time. With the psalmist in Psalm 145 we bless the name of our gracious and merciful God and King and declare His greatness. He is worthy of praise. We are also reminded in this Psalm that He is near to those who call on Him. We stand upon these and other precious truths today.
May God be gracious to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting during this hour and that they would find comfort and peace through His Word and the presence of His people ministering to them.
We will update you as further details are provided to us.
The Moody Spokane campus closed at the end of last school year but Moody Aviation continues to use an airfield in Deer Park for programs in piloting and mechanical and maintenance training for students studying to be missionaries.
According to a pair of fundraiser web sites, two of the three victims were husbands, fathers, and had children on the way.