2 Dead After Small Plane Crash Near Philadelphia

Two people were confirmed dead after a small plane crashed near Philadelphia Sunday, WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, reported. The plane took off from Brandywine Airport and went down two miles away about 1:40 p.m. EDT in a wooded area of West Goshen.

The victims’ identities have not been revealed, and the cause of the crash was not immediately determined.

Witnesses told WCAU they heard the engine of the Piper PA-28 “stuttering,” and then it burst into flames. The National Transportation and Safety Board -- along with the Federal Aviation Administration -- will help with the investigation, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The plane crash came close to hitting Harrison Hills Apartments, a new complex for people over 55 years old, the Philadelphia Inquirer said. Neighbor Frank Kraus said he heard a “big bang” but did not see the accident.

"Very close -- thank God for the pilot, but then the pilot and his passenger didn't make it," Kraus said. "It's sad." The plane crashed in the woods right behind the apartments.

No official representatives from Harrison Hill Apartments has commented on the crash and the apartment complex did not issue a statement on its website.

It’s not the first time a Brandywine Airport plane has gone down. A pilot and passenger were killed in 2005 when the flyer tried to land near the airport.

Hollywood actor Harrison Ford recently made news after his plane crashed on a Los Angles golf course. Though injured, the “Indiana Jones” star is expected to make a full recovery. His plane went down after the aircraft’s engine failed.

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