STATESVILLE, N.C. – A man was killed in a plane crash in Iredell County on Sunday afternoon, authorities reported.
The small plane went down near the Statesville Regional Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Witnesses said they saw the plane experiencing engine trouble before it went down. The plane burst into flames upon impact, despite the efforts of bystanders to rescue the pilot.
The identity of the pilot has not yet been released, pending notification of the next of kin. The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the crash.
The Statesville Regional Airport remained closed as authorities processed the scene and worked to remove the wreckage.
The pilot’s death was a tragic reminder of the dangers associated with aviation, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing. Details about the cause of the crash will be released as they become available.