IMPERIAL—Investigators are probing the cause of a Saturday morning single-engine airplane crash that took the life of local farmer and rancher Scot German, 54.

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Authorities believe the crash occurred shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday.

The plane crashed five miles south of Imperial on Aug. 4 in a pasture owned by German Land & Cattle.

German was thought to be herding or checking cattle.

The crash was first discovered by the Imperial Volunteer Dire Department, who were called to fight a grass fire caused by the plane crash.

Personnel with the Federal Aviation Administration arrived Saturday to begin an investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board arrived on the scene Monday.

Funeral services for German were held Tuesday, Aug. 7 in Imperial at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church.

Pastor Allen Prodoehl and Rev. Todd Burpo officiated. A private family inurnment will occur at a later date.

A memorial has been established in German's memory. Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

German, 54, was retired from the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction as an F-16 pilot, a family member said.

German is survived by his wife Linda of Imperial and five children: Sara of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Jilanne German of Imperial; Shane German of the Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Kevin German of Imperial, and Cindy German of Imperial.

The Bulletin staff contributed to this report.