Sorensen said the NTSB will consider whether factors like weather, pilot experience, and status and maintenance of the aircraft were involved in the crash.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Officials believe a single person was aboard the single-engine plane that crashed into a Brooklyn Park home on Saturday, killing them.
Aviation accident investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, Tim Sorensen, told reporters at a news conference Sunday the agency's preliminary information gives investigators reason to believe the person piloting the plane was solo.
The press conference came after NTSB officials arrived Sunday to process the site before removing the aircraft and taking it to a secure location for further evaluation. Sorensen said they'll consider whether factors like weather, pilot experience, and status and maintenance of the aircraft were involved.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed the identity of the pilot, but a U.S. Bank spokesman addressed the plane crash, saying they believe the person on board was their vice chair and chief administration officer, Terry Dolan.
"At this time, we are unable to confirm whether he was on board, but we believe he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends, and anyone who may have been affected by yesterday’s tragic incident," said a statement from the bank.
"On behalf of the entire agency, we'd like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and members of the community who have been affected by this tragic accident," Sorensen said.
Adding, "We don't have a lot of answers right now."
Sorensen said a preliminary report will be released over the next few weeks and will include "factual information they have determined" at the time. He said it will not discuss a possible cause and the victim's identity will be released separately via the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.
According to Brooklyn Park Fire Chief Shawn Conway, the house impacted by the aircraft was considered a "total loss," while another home to the south sustained minor exterior damage. Conway said officials are in contact with the homeowners and working to meet their changing needs.
"We are in ongoing conversations with them ... supporting all of the families, friends, loved ones who are involved, they are our priority ...," he said. "They lost their home immediately, as you can see by the damage, and we are supporting them with their needs at this time."
Conway said local authorities are moving toward a more supportive agency role as the investigation has officially been handed over to the NTSB.
On Saturday, the Brooklyn Park Fire Department responded to the incident just after noon. The FAA stated a small plane departed from Des Moines International Airport in Iowa and was headed to Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minneapolis when it crashed.
"As a city, we’re grateful there were no casualties within the residence itself. Our heart goes out to the families and folks that were in the plane," said Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston.
KARE's Joe McCoy spoke with one of the homeowners, who said she and her husband are "taking it one day at a time" after surviving the ordeal.
