It could take several months before the cause of a single-engine plane crash that occurred Sunday afternoon in Cole County is determined.
Authorities identified the pilot as John Abbott, believed to be in his 30s, who was listed in good condition at University Hospital in Columbia. The co-pilot, Mark Blume, believed to be in his 60s, was treated and released from the hospital.
Officials with the Federal Aviation Administration got to the crash site Monday near Henley to start their investigation into the cause. They will take the plane to an area to be secured, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will continue the investigation. There was no word on how long before the cause of the crash would be made known. The NTSB website shows causes of accidents may not be determined for 12 to 18 months.
Authorities did say the only damage that could be found caused by the crash was to one of the nearby Three Rivers Electric power lines. Work to repair it won't take place until after the wreckage is removed.
Both the pilot and co-pilot had managed to get out of the mangled plane and were tending to each other's injuries when emergency responders arrived at the scene.
The only call received by authorities was from the property owner, who saw a low-flying aircraft then heard a loud crash at about 2:30 p.m. at 1610 N. Teal Bottom Road, near its intersection with South Teal Bottom.