NTSB resumes investigation into plane crash that killed 3 in Victoria

The search for answers continues after three people were killed in a small plane crash in Victoria this weekend.

The crash happened at about 5:40 p.m. Saturday.

The family has identified Dr. James Edney — a surgeon from Omaha, Nebraska — as one of the deceased. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has confirmed the plane belonged to Edney. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has confirmed the two others who died were family members as well. They are identified as Dr. Sara Mertes and her husband, Jake Mertes. A hospital spokesperson confirmed their identities to KSTP Monday morning.

"Jake and Sara were active members in our community and their unexpected passing is difficult for us all," the spokesperson said, adding that Cabinet Peaks Clinic Family Medicine will be closed on Monday.

The plane was headed for Flying Cloud Airport in Eden Prarie from Alexandria Municipal Airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

NTSB investigators said the plane went down with no warning and they recovered parts of the tail two blocks away.

Mike Folkerts with the NTSB said investigators are just beginning this investigation and still have very limited details as to what happened.

However, early information shows the plane started to fall at a speed of 5,000 feet per minute and stopped just feet from a house.

It narrowly missed a gas station, other homes and a bar with people outside. Jennifer Neubarth’s two sons were bartending at the time the plane crashed.

"Just very relieved that nothing happened to them," Neubarth said about her sons. "Everybody that was there was very shaken up but also very recognizing of how lucky everybody was. It makes you think about life and how fast it can end. You know, you never know."

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The NTSB resumed its investigation Monday morning. Investigators said it could take anywhere from 12 to 18 months before the final report on the crash is complete.