It could take more than a year to get answers to the May 11 fatal plane crash near the Stepping Stone community that claimed the life of Grand Junction veterinarian Bob Marquis, 67, authorities say. The pilot had taken off from Centennial Airport, and shortly after, his plane crashed in Lone Tree, several hundred yards west of Stepping Stone.

Residents of the neighborhood reported hearing the whining of an engine around 8:30 p.m. the night of the crash, then a loud thump and whooshing sound as the small plane crashed into the field.

“It sounded like the air was being let out of a big vacuum,” said resident Baylor Bland.

Debris from the plane, a Cirrus SR22, was scattered over more than an acre in the field, and part of the plane's engine was lodged in the side of a home. Nobody in the neighborhood was injured.

Keith Holloway, public affairs officer with the National Transportation Safety Board, said an investigation could take more than a year to complete.

“An investigation is very time intensive,” said Holloway.

Dozens of orange flags represented where debris fell in the field, each one marking a piece of evidence that must be collected and analyzed. Each investigator is a specialist responsible for a clearly defined portion of the accident investigation, according to the NTSB's accident investigation procedure protocol.

A preliminary report from the NTSB could be available in the next couple of weeks.

Marquis owned Tiara Rado Animal Hospital in Grand Junction and served on the Mesa County Search and Rescue ground team. He is being remembered on social media as a kind, caring man who helped countless people.

From the Tiara Rado Animal Hospital Facebook page:

“Tiara Rado Animal Hospital has lost an incredibly smart and energetic veterinarian yesterday. Dr. Marquis was the most caring person we all have known and to work with. He touched so many of us with his kind heart as well as our furry family members. We all are truly blessed to have known such a wonderful man. He will forever hold a special place in so many of our hearts. Dr. Marquis you will be missed. We all loved you so dearly.”

The Mesa County Search and Rescue team also expressed their condolences via Facebook.

“We are deeply saddened today. We lost one of our own. Bob Marquis was killed in a plane crash... Bob was a great team member and dear friend that served on our team for many years and was truly a great person. Always a smile on his face... He was the kindest of souls. Bob was the best of the best. He will be missed greatly by all of us that served with him and knew him as a friend.”