DENVER (KDVR) — A missing helicopter has been found after it crashed northeast of Meeker, prompting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The helicopter was reported missing at about 8:12 p.m. on Wednesday to Rio Blanco authorities. The helicopter reportedly left the Meeker Airport earlier that morning and did not return as expected.

Rio Blanco County reported that it initiated a cellphone trace and also activated its Search and Rescue Coordinator. Aerial search efforts, in coordination with Classic Air Medical, focused on the areas identified through preliminary tracking and cellphone signal data.

Despite the extensive search efforts, the craft was not found before nightfall and the search was suspended for safety reasons.

On Thursday, the search resumed. Involved parties included Coulter Aviation, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Classic Air Medical, and family members who began in hiking areas believed to be along the helicopter's potential path.

Approximately an hour after the search began again on Thursday, hikers "reported discovering 'something worth looking at' northeast of Meeker." Coulter Aviation flew over the area and located the crashed helicopter.

The Rio Blanco County Sheriff's Office and Meeker Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the scene. The agencies have not provided details on how many people may have been on board the aircraft, but shared their thoughts and deepest condolences with the family "during this difficult time."

The NTSB said Thursday it would be investigating the crash, noting that it was an MD Helicopters 369E helicopter, and said it was located in mountainous terrain. According to the manufacturer, the aircraft is a "light turbine" helicopter that can be operated by a single pilot and has both commercial and military customers.