Investigators seek help determining cause of fatal Lake Berryessa plane crash

NAPA COUNTY (KGO) -- Investigators need the public's help to determine what went wrong moments before a plane crashed at Lake Berryessa. The plane was a single-engine light sport amphibious aircraft. The model hit the market less than two years ago.

RELATED: 2 killed in plane crash near Lake Berryessa identified

ICON Aircraft created a lot of buzz in the aviation industry when it debuted the A5, which is part boat, all airplane but clearly, Monday's crash is a setback for the Vacaville-based start-up.

NTSB investigators say their first priority is to get the ICON A5 to a secure location.

The aircraft was only in the air for 20 minutes before it crashed in a remote section of Lake Berryessa.

Inside were two ICON employees who died in the crash -- the 55-year-old pilot Jon Karkow and his passenger 41-year-old Cagri Sever.

"We don't have any known witnesses at this point in time to the accident sequence itself," said NTSB investigator Joshua Cawthra. "We are looking for witnesses."

In a statement, Icon CEO, Kirk Hawkins said in part: This was a devastating personal loss for many of us... the thoughts and prayers of our entire organization are with the families of both people on board, they were truly amazing individuals.

The A5, an amphibious, single-engine, two-seater sells for as much as $257,000.

ABC7 spoke to Hawkins last year. "Most airplanes are designed to haul things from A to B, and the pilot and the experience is an afterthought. The human experience and the pilot is the first thing that we think about."

Industry experts say while the crash is no doubt a setback for the company, Icon has been applauded for introducing an innovative aircraft to the market.

"In that regard, it has been exciting especially for those who want to see more light sport aircraft," said ABC Aviation Analyst John Nance.

As for the investigation, the NTSB says a preliminary report should be released in the next five business days.