Owner of blimp that went down near Erin Hills questions initial findings on cause

The company that owned the blimp that went down on the opening day of the U.S. Open is calling into question the findings of the initial investigation.

In a statement to CBS 58 News, it went as far as to resurrect the theory that someone upset with the blimp overhead may have brought it down.

It's a claim that was reported and investigated by the Washington County Sheriff's Department which told CBS 58 News that it was 99% sure that a man who called 9-11 to ask if he could "shoot it down" didn't actually do that.

Patrick Walsh, chief executive officer of AirSign, Inc, issued this statement  regarding the National Transportation Safety Board's preliminary report issued June 26, 2017.

"We appreciate the NTSB's preliminary report sharing the pilot's recall of the incident," writes Patrick Walsh "and alluding that the collapse was not pilot error. The 911 call that included a threat to shoot down the airship, however, does concern us -- and discussions with others who inspect these aircraft where they are manufactured in the UK has given us reason to return to that possibility. These experts have indicated that the type of panel collapse as reported is 'unheard of.'

"We will continue our own independent investigation into this concern, and provide law enforcement and the NTSB with information we uncover as it continues its more thorough investigation in the months ahead.

"We continue to remain in close contact with Trevor Thompson and his family, and are encouraged by the care he is receiving. We pray for his full and swift recovery."