The pilot of a small plane was killed when his aircraft went down in New Jersey and then caught on fire, according to officials.
The plane fell from the sky as it was flying over Hunterdon County late Friday afternoon, the Quakertown Fire Department said in a statement.
A range of first responders, including firefighters, paramedics and troopers from the New Jersey State Police, descended on the densely wooded area to search for the downed aircraft.
They eventually found it engulfed in flames, near Airport Road and Mechlin Corner Road in Alexandria Township, a short distance from the Alexandria Field Airport. The surrounding area was also ablaze when crews arrived.
Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire, but the pilot of the plane was subsequently found dead inside the aircraft.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy,” the fire department said, referring all future questions regarding the incident to state police.
An Alexandria Field Airport official told WFMZ the pilot, who has not yet been identified, was the only one in the plane.
Few other details have been provided about the crash, including what may have caused it. It’s destination was also unclear.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it was investigating.
