Investigators examine site of Wellstone plane crash for clues

Publishing date: 10-28-2002 07:08 AM

(Eveleth-AP) -- The plane crash that killed Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone remains a puzzle.

Federal investigators sifting through the crash site say there's no obvious cause.

But they still didn't know why the plane was heading south, away from the Eveleth airport when it crashed into the heavily forested area about two-and-a-half miles away.

The acting chair of the National Transportation Safety Board says at the time of the crash, pilots reported "light and rime icing" on planes. "Rime" refers to tiny ice crystals. Carol Carmody (KAR'-mah-dee) says Wellstone's plane was equipped with de-icing equipment.

N-T-S-B officials are also looking at the plane's engines for any malfunctions.

Relatives were taken to the crash site yesterday. They left behind a picture of Wellstone with a campaign staffer who also died.

Wellstone's wife and daughter were also among the crash victims.