Wrangell Sentinel -

Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have been delayed in their investigation of the Pacific Wings June 4 accident, until the aircraft is recovered. The company’s deHavilland Beaver collided with mountainous, tree-covered terrain about 14 miles east of Petersburg.

“We are at a standstill right now,” NTSB Chief Clint Johnson said last week. “We have conditionally released the wreckage to the insurance company in order for it to be removed.”

According to Johnson, a helicopter is needed to remove the crashed plane and one is not available at this time.

“We will take custody of the plane once it has been recovered and Investigator Bryce Banning will be there to gather all evidence,” Johnson said. “The wreckage will be taken to Petersburg, but we are all in a hold pattern right now.”