As a survivor and witness to the crash of their family's jet, 7-year-old Sailor Gutzler could provide investigators vital information to help them establish the cause of the air mishap.

Heidi Moats, investigator from the National Transportation Board, wants to talk to Gutzler about her experience, but it is not yet clear when her team could sit down with the brave, young girl who used her survival skills passed on by her father, who piloted the jet, to seek for help despite wounds and wearing minimal clothing in freezing temperature.

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Moats, who has a 10-day deadline to come up with a preliminary report on the crash, said having a witness would help them establish a story line in the investigation.

Sailor was released to a relative on Saturday after she was treated at the hospital for her broken wrist and other injuries. A family spokesman, however, declined to grant interviews in the meantime to allow them time to grieve the loss of Sailor's father, mother, elder sister and cousin who died in the plane crash.

"They need time to grieve and adjust to this horrible tragedy. There are many things facing the family over the next several days, not to mention the weeks and months to come," said Kent Plotner, the family spokesman and lawyer.

The family spent their Christmas vacation in Florida and was on their way back to Nashville when the plane developed engine trouble and crashed. Sailor's father, Marty owns the plane and has more than 4,000 hours of flying experience.

Plotner said news of Sailor's bravery led to stranger donating money for the girl's welfare which led to the creation of a fund for that purpose. Donors could access the following website for more details: www.sailorgutzlerfund.com.

Tagssailor gutzler, plane crash, Kentucky crash, survival skills