Small Plane Crashes, Catches Fire In Livermore Field, 1 Dead
LIVERMORE (CBS SF) -- One person was killed when a small plane crashed in a field in Livermore on Monday night, sparking a grass fire.
According to officials, the pilot of the Piper PA-22 encountered problems shortly after taking off at Livermore Municipal Airport around 9:00 p.m. and was attempting to make an emergency landing.
"It appears that they were coming into the Livermore Airport, that there may have been some mechanical problems from the plane," said Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department.
The plane crashed in a field about 3 miles away from the airport, sparking a small grass fire. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the flames.
Instagram user Jessicathinks shared a picture of the crash and fire burning in the field near her home.
VIDEO: Aerial Views Of Plane Crash
According to officials, a body has been found near the crash scene, and that the body is believed to be the pilot. According to officials, there were no passengers on the plane.
Officials have not determined the identity of the pilot as of late Monday night.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are investigating the cause of the crash.