SaMo Airport Reopens Following Crash, Probe On Hold Due to Federal Shutdown

The Santa Monica Airport reopened Tuesday following the death of at least four people in a plane crash, but the investigation into the cause of the accident was on hold because of the government shutdown.

The airport reopened to business at 1 p.m. Tuesday after an inspection was complete, according to KPCC. 

NTSB spokeswoman Kelly Nantel told the Associated Press investigators would gather evidence and then stop working. The NTSB could not be reached for comment because its offices were closed. 

The reopening of the airport follows the crash of a twin-engine Cessna Citation, which veered off the right side of the runway on Sunday night. It was arriving from Hailey, Idaho. 

Earlier today, investigators said the bodies of two women and two men were found in the wreckage of the crash. Their dental records will be used to help with the identification. The remains of two cats and a dog were also recovered.

It is believed that Mark Benjamin, CEO of Santa Monica-based Morley Construction, and his son Luke, were on board. Mark Benjamin lives in Malibu and also had a home in Ketchum, Idaho. He often flew between Idaho and Southern California, according to the AP.