Friend says passenger died in Everglades City plane crash, NTSB preliminary report pending

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash of a Cessna A185 airplane that occurred on Sunday near Everglades City.

A friend of the pilot and passenger told WINK News that passenger Ryan Cody died in the crash. The friend told us that she works with Cody at the Saint Finbarr Catholic Church in Naples. She said that Cody's parents told the news to their Father at the church, and that's how the congregation found out.

According to a release Tuesday morning, the plane crashed under unknown circumstances, overturned in the water, and became partially submerged. This happened around 2:20 p.m. Tuesday.

An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene on Sunday morning to oversee the plane's recovery from the water and begin examining the aircraft. The plane was then moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.

The investigation will focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment. Investigators will gather flight track data, air traffic control communications, aircraft maintenance records, and other pertinent information. 

There were two people on board the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration said that the plane is owned by Black Dog Holding Inc. out of New York. 

The NTSB will not release the identities of the victims or details about injuries, as they stated that local authorities handle that information.

A preliminary report containing factual information will be available within 30 days. The final report, detailing the probable cause of the crash, is expected in 12 to 24 months.

The church is holding a vigil on Thursday at 6 p.m. with their youth group to honor Cody.