NTSB investigates Montana plane crash that kills 2, hurts 1

BILLINGS (AP) — Federal authorities were investigating a small plane crash that killed a couple and critically injured their son in southern Montana on Sunday, authorities said.

Robby and Pam Stephens died at the crash south of Billings and son Riley was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, officials said.

Responders arrived to find the plane on fire in a wooded area near the Blain Airstrip, Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder said.

According to preliminary information, the Beech 35S plane crashed at about 7:30 p.m. Sunday National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Keith Holloway said.

The NTSB plans to have an investigator at the site on Monday, Holloway said.

The investigation will include looking at any air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports and a review of the plane's maintenance records and medical and flight history of the pilot, he said. A typical NTSB investigation can take between one and two years to complete, he said.