NTSB: Plane crash investigation does not have a single focus

by Jessica Mador, Minnesota Public Radio

Investigators believe the plane involved in Thursday's fatal crash in Owatonna hit an antenna after attempting to land.

St. Paul, Minn. — A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board says investigators believe the collision with the antenna caused the plane to go out of control.

However, they stopped short of identifying it as the sole reason for the crash.

The NTSB says investigators are studying the cockpit voice recorder, flight management computer and other instruments for clues.

Authorities say it appears the crew attempted to land the plane and then tried to lift back into the air.

They say the plane then struck an eight foot antenna about 1000 feet past the end of the runway and then crashed in a nearby cornfield.

The crash killed eight passengers on board.

Officials say they are looking at runway conditions, mechanical issues and a thunderstorm that moved through the area before the crash.