Mechanical failure not to blame in fatal plane crash near Fort Rice

An initial report from the National Transportation Safety Board says mechanical failure is not to blame for a plane crashing into the Missouri River near Fort Rice on July 17.

According to a preliminary report released by the NTSB, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane were found.

The report states the plane had taken off from the Mandan Municipal Airport.

Thirty-five-year-old Daniel Miller was taking aerial pictures of farms and ranches in Morton County. Miller died in the crash.

The full report is expected to take about a year.