Investigators expect to reach plane crash site Monday / 3 survivors in stable condition

SIOUX CITY, S.D.-AP-UPDATE:

The three survivors of a South Dakota plane crash that killed nine members of an extended family from Idaho are in stable condition at a hospital.

The survivors of Saturday’s crash in a cornfield near Chamberlain are being treated at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The family was returning from an annual pheasant-hunting trip when the plane crashed shortly after takeoff in the midst of a winter storm warning.

Jeff Walbom, the family representative, called the crash a “total tragedy” for the extended family.

Brothers Jim and Kirk Hansen, who founded the nutritional and wellness products company Kyani, were killed in the crash, along with seven other male family members. Kirk’s son Josh and Jim’s son, Matt, and son-in-law Thomas Long survived.

AP-Federal investigators are expected to arrive at the South Dakota site where nine members of an extended Idaho family were killed in a plane crash.

Authorities say the single-engine plane went down Saturday afternoon, shortly after taking off from Chamberlain, about 140 miles (225.3 kilometers) west of Sioux Falls. Three others on board the plane were injured.

Travis Garza with the health and wellness company Kyani said Sunday that among those killed were brothers and company founders Jim and Kirk Hansen.

National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Peter Knudson says the plane was bound for Idaho Falls. Knudson says federal investigators would likely reach the crash site on Monday.

Officials say Chamberlain was under a winter storm warning at the time of the crash.

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