The finding was part of the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report issued on the May 29 crash that killed 31-year-old pilot Joshua Stubblefield, 44-year-old Chris Spircu, 32-year-old Paul Andrews, and 45-year-old Todd Stuntzner.
Safety officials say the plane had stopped to refuel at the Mesquite Airport and was headed to Bryce Canyon Airport when it was reported missing a few hours later.
Law enforcement officials found the wreckage that evening on the west slope of a mountain ridge near Duck Creek Village in Kane County.
The NTSB says there was no fire after the crash. Officials haven't determined an official cause.


