Investigation of fatal Denali plane crash begins

Investigators have started their probe in determining why a large plane crashed. No one on the ground was injured.

Park spokeswoman Kris Fister says the people aboard the Fairchild C-123 cargo plane were Bill Michel, 61, of Delta Junction; John Eshleman, 52, of Wasilla; and Paul Quartly, 66, of Wasilla.

Michel owned All West Freight Inc. and was the pilot, Fister said.

The identities were determined through interviews with people familiar with the plane and the intended flight, Fister said.

Official identification of the bodies will be made by the State Medical Examiner by forensic examination, the Park Service said.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA arrived at the park Monday and have completed an aerial reconnaissance and preliminary ground survey of the site.

The crash started a small wildfire covering 1 acre. Fister said hot shot fire crews turned over jurisdiction to park personnel.

Rock Creek Trail, one of two closed by the crash, reopened Monday. The Roadside Trail remains closed until the on-site investigation is done.

The park road is open, and the temporary flight restrictions over the crash site have been lifted, the Park Service said.