NTSB Continues Investigation Into Colo. Crash That Kills 3; NBC’s Ebersol, 2 Other Individuals Hospitalized

A National Transportation Safety Board investigator arrived Monday to begin an investigation into the crash of a business jet in Montrose, Colorado.

The twin engine Canadair Challenger, a CL-600 (N873G), impacted a fence and terrain off the departure end of runway 31 at approximately 9:55 a.m. MST on Sunday, while attempting to take off from Montrose Regional Airport. A post-crash fire ensued.

There were six persons aboard, including two pilots and a flight attendant. Among the passengers were NBC television executive Dick Ebersol and members of his family. Local authorities reported that the pilot and the male flight attendant were killed during the initial investigation into the accident.

Authorities late on Monday reportedly recovered the body of Ebersol’s youngest son, who had been on the plane with his father and an older brother. The body of 14-year-old Edward “Teddy” Ebersol was discovered under the wreckage. Ebersol and his oldest son, Charles, were hospitalized along with the co-pilot.

According to eyewitnesses, Charles Ebersol pulled his father from the aircraft through an opening in the middle of the plane. Teddy Ebersol was reportedly missing, along with the seat he was occupying when the accident happened.

Authorities have not reported whether the jet — a CL601-1A Challenger — had been de-iced before takeoff. The area had reportedly been hit with snow and cold prior to the plane taking off. Ice buildup on the wings and other parts of an aircraft can allow for the plane to be unstable or too heavy to fly.

The plane was owned by Jet Alliance/Air Castle Corporation and operated by Global Aviation as Glow Air flight 73. The charter flight’s destination was South Bend, Indiana.

NTSB Senior Air Safety Investigator Arnold Scott from the Safety Board’s Denver regional office is the Investigator-in-Charge. The following parties will provide assistance to Scott: the Federal Aviation Administration, Canadair, and General Electric Engines. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada was sending an accredited representative.