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

EAST LAKE-ORIENT PARK, Fla. - Two people are dead after a small aircraft 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.

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

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

Two people aboard the aircraft 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 aircraft 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 Federal Aviation Administration.

Federal crash cause investigation

What we don't know:

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

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

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