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NTSB Takes Over Investigation Of Bahamas Helicopter Crash

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) -- The National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation of a Bahamas helicopter crash that killed billionaire coal magnate Chris Cline and six other people.

The helicopter had been flying to Fort Lauderdale from the Bahamas at the time of the crash.

NTSB spokesman Eric Weiss confirmed Monday that the wreckage has been moved to a secure site in the United States. He says a preliminary report should be available in about two weeks. The full investigation could take up to two years.

The Bahamas Air Accident Investigation Department says flight and data recorders have been recovered and shipped to the NTSB in Washington for analysis.

Bahamian officials say cranes pulled the 15-passenger Augusta AW139 from the ocean over the weekend. Investigators remained onsite Monday documenting wreckage to determine the complete craft was recovered.

The helicopter crashed Thursday after taking off from a remote private island.

(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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