Why did 4 people die? Answers will be slow in plane crash inquiry

By KVAL News Published: Jun 25, 2012 at 1:40 PM PDT Last Updated: Jun 25, 2012 at 10:16 PM PDT

VENETA, Ore. - Answers will be slow to come in the investigation into a fatal plane crash that claimed the lives of 4 people affiliated with the Oregon Country Fair on Saturday afternoon.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation. Officials from the NTSB said a preliminary report is due out as soon as this Friday, although it could take a year to 18 months before they issue a final report on the crash.

The Cessna 172 crashed shortly after leaving a rural airport on a sightseeing trip.

Charlie Ruff with the Oregon Country Fair said there were about 200 volunteers at the fair site at the time of the crash. No one reported hearing the crash.

All 4 on board died in the crash.

The sheriff's office identified them as:

  • Jerome Roch Delbosc D'Auzon, 41, of Eugene
     
  • Robyn Leigh Weir, 40, of Junction City
     
  • Christopher Robin Kent, 37, of Junction City
     
  • Erin Thomas Frank Noble, 27, of Eugene

Ruff said D'Auzon was a certified pilot.

The owner of the plane was not aboard.

Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane had current certifications.

The plane was orginally built in 1956.