DEER PARK, Wash. – The aviation community is mourning the loss of two students and an instructor killed in a small plane crash on Friday.
National Transportation Safety Board officials said they are working on the preliminary report of the crash, which should be out within about a week. In the report, they will be examining the "victims, the machine and the environment." They will also be assessing the crash site, the wreckage, check records and interview any witnesses.
The victims of the crash were doing training through Moody Aviation. Since Friday, the number of comments and posts supporting and praying for the victim's families continues to grow.
Moody Aviation posted a statement on its Facebook page saying:
“Thank you for the outpouring of love and support to our Moody Aviation community. Our hearts continue to grieve with them, especially the families and loved ones of those who went to be with the Lord on Friday.
I ask for your patience as the investigation is just getting underway and is being handled by the NTSB. At this stage, Moody Aviation does not have access to information. The NTSB investigation process typically takes time, and we are cooperating as requested with both the NTSB and FAA. Neither the sheriff nor the coroner have confirmed the identities of those involved in the accident.
As a community who loves the Lord and is founded upon His Word, let us continue to seek His face and remember His promises during this deeply challenging time. With the psalmist in Psalm 145 we bless the name of our gracious and merciful God and King and declare His greatness. He is worthy of praise. We are also reminded in this Psalm that He is near to those who call on Him. We stand upon these and other precious truths today.
May God be gracious to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are hurting during this hour and that they would find comfort and peace through His Word and the presence of His people ministering to them.
We will update you as further details are provided to us.”
The post was flooded with comments of continued love and support. One comment in particular came from the Spokane Civil Air Patrol.
"I will tell you I typed that Facebook post through a veil of tears," said Don Morgan Sr. with Spokane Civil Air Patrol.
Morgan wrote a post following Friday's crash that said the air patrol is in mourning for the three aviators from Moody Aviation who were lost in a training accident. Morgan said the organization has several members who are also involved at Moody Aviation.
"Some of their families have joined our squadron. We have at least one former cadet commander whose dad is still a Moody Aviation Pilot," he said.
This is why Morgan said the tragic crash hits close to home.
"I was trying to imagine what it would be like to make that phone call, he isn't coming home. That's a very difficult call to make," he said.
Morgan also spoke with executives of Moody Aviation following his Facebook post. He said they were thankful for his support.
While we know the victims were with Moody Aviation, investigators are still not releasing their identities.