2 dead after small plane crashes, catches fire in Hillsborough County: Officials

EAST LAKE-ORIENT PARK, Fla. – Two people are dead after a small plane crashed and caught fire Thursday morning in Hillsborough County, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Hillsborough deadly aircraft crash 

What we know:

The crash happened around 8:16 a.m. in a wooded area near U.S. 301 and Maislin Drive, HCFR said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft involved in the crash was a Lancair Evolution airplane.

Officials said multiple 911 calls came in reporting that an aircraft had gone down. When firefighters arrived, the plane was fully engulfed in flames.

Crews extinguished the fire in less than 10 minutes, HCFR said.

The only two people aboard the plane were killed in the crash. Officials said the damage to the aircraft is extensive.

Tampa Executive Airport departure

What they’re saying:

HCFR said the plane took off from Tampa Executive Airport before the crash.

“This is a tragic day for the families of the two individuals that were involved in this plane crash,” Hillsborough County Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said during a news conference Thursday morning.

NTSB and FAA response

What’s next:

Officials said they are awaiting an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA.

Federal crash cause investigation

What we don’t know:

The cause of the crash and the victims’ identities have not been released.

Courtesy: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

This is a developing story. FOX 13 News will continue to update this story as more information is released.