Two people were killed Wednesday after a small plane crashed at an airport in Southern Arizona, officials said.
Officials said the Piper PA-32 veered off the runway and burst into flames, killing both people on board. No other injuries were reported, and no additional aircraft were involved in the crash.
The identities of the two victims have not yet been released, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Vic Hathaway, the town's spokesperson, told NTD via email on Thursday that the National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the case from local authorities. Further details will be released once available, the police department said.
Two people aboard the Lancair, identified as Michael Reinath, 70, and Linda Gifford, 76, were killed. The two people in the second aircraft, a pilot and a student, were uninjured in the crash.
At the time, the airport's superintendent, Galen Beem, said the deadly mid-air collision was "an unprecedented event," commending first responders for their efforts.
"On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event," Beem shared.
The National Transportation Safety Board said in a preliminary report viewed by NTD that the crash occurred over the intersection of two runways. The Lancair sustained significant fire damage, while the Cessna had only minor damage to the propeller.
The Marana Regional Airport, which serves as a general aviation hub for the Tucson International Airport, was temporarily closed following the crash.
The small airport has been operating without an air traffic control tower, though plans to build one next year are underway in an effort to enhance airport safety, officials said.