A small plane crashed and caught fire near the Crystal Airport late Saturday morning, prompting a large emergency response and an NTSB investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is investigating the crash of a Beech F33A airplane, which went down shortly before noon near Southbrook Park, just north of the airport off County Road 81.
NTSB investigators are expected to arrive at the scene later Saturday or Sunday.
Radar records show a 1991 Beech F33A took off around 11:30 a.m. heading northbound before disappearing from radar shortly after takeoff, according to FOX 9. The plane crashed in a grassy area near Douglas Drive North and 62nd Avenue North, according to KARE 11 crews at the scene.
Photos submitted by @RedHartiganWX on X show the aircraft engulfed in flames as a firefighter worked to extinguish the blaze.
The aircraft had two occupants, according to initial police radio dispatches. Their condition has not been released.
A MnDOT traffic camera near Interstate 94 and County Road 81 captured a plume of heavy smoke rising from the area around noon. A wide area was blocked to traffic while crews responded.
Multiple law enforcement agencies and fire crews responded to the scene. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
