WISHEK - The three victims of a fatal plane crash have been identified by the McIntosh County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities identified the pilot as Colbie Fandrich, 20, of Wishek, one passenger was his aunt, Christine Fandrich, 38, of Bismarck, and her son Aaron Nordstrom, 10, of Bismarck.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports that a Piper Cherokee plane departed the Wishek Airport en route to Bismarck.
Complications arose during the takeoff and the plane crashed into May Lake, about 1.5 miles south of Wishek. All of those on board died.
Officials with the FAA say they should have a preliminary report available within the next five days. They still need to pull the airplane from May Lake to further analyze the wreckage.
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The plane likely reached an altitude of 200-500 feet before it crashed into the lake.
