Crash under investigation

Federal Aviation Administration investigators started pouring over wreckage and testimony Monday, hoping to determine the cause of Sunday's plane crash at the Carson City Airport.

Pilot William Claude Hobb, 54, of Folsom, Calif., and passengers Dr. Damon Stutes, 48, of Reno, Kathleen Evans, 56, and Catherine Armstrong all lived through the crash. A spokeswoman for the FAA said the final report requires a 9-point investigative process, which has not been completed.

Hobb and Stutes were both in critical condition Sunday evening at Washoe Medical Center. They remained in the intensive care unit Monday, with Hobbs in serious condition and Stutes' condition kept confidential.

Armstrong was under observation in serious condition Monday. Evans was listed in good condition, also under observation.

Investigation findings are sent to the National Transportation Safety Board which determines the official cause.

Eyewitnesses to the crash said the plane, a blue and white Mooney 201 reportedly from the Sacramento area, appeared to be losing power during takeoff. Witnesses said the plane then quickly dropped after lifting off at the end of the runway.

"It kind of went up and then the airplane just quit flying," said veteran pilot Jerry Polson. "You could see the right wing go up and he stalled it. The left wing hit first and he cart wheeled it."

Polson said a previous attempt to get the plane off the ground had been aborted because of apparent engine trouble.

Carson Sheriff's investigators and fire personnel, as well as a CareFlight helicopter were among the first on scene. CareFlight was en route to another accident when the crash was reported.

Chief Sheriff's Deputy Scott Burau said plane crashes are strictly under federal jurisdiction. "We secure the accident scene and then release it to the feds intact," he said.