2 dead after small plane crashes in field near Petaluma airport shortly after taking off

PETALUMA, Calif. (KGO) -- Two people are confirmed dead after a small plane crashed in a field east of the Petaluma airport Wednesday morning shortly after taking off, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the plane took off from the Petaluma Municipal Airport at 10:45 a.m.

According to Petaluma Police Department, officers arrived on scene and located a small, downed airplane that was fully engulfed in flames. Officers extinguished the fire and located two deceased people inside the aircraft.

A witness tells ABC7 Eyewitness News the plane appeared to be circling before it crashed and caught fire across the street from the Rooster Run Golf Course.

Federal agents are now investigating and have confirmed the plane was a popular single-engine kit airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading the investigation.

An ABC7 Eyewitness News crew is on the scene.

Community members were asked to avoid the immediate area and allow emergency personnel and investigators to safely conduct their work.

Stay with ABC7 News for updates on this developing story.