'Sad Day For Beverly Airport': Plane Crash Kills 1 Man, 1 Man Lifelighted To Hospital

UPDATED 2 p.m.

BEVERLY, MA — A plane taking off from Beverly Regional Airport crashed on an adjacent road shortly after takeoff, killing one man and seriously injuring another man on Thursday morning.

Beverly Police Chief John LeLacheur and Fire Chief Peter O'Connor said that the police and fire department crews found two men — the pilot and a passenger — inside the plane that sustained "significant damage" at about 8:45 and that one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other man was Medflighted to an area hospital with what were called "serious injuries."

Police and fire said there were no reports of any ground injuries or additional property damage in the area.

Mutual aid was provided at the scene by the Danvers Fire Department and the Massachusetts State Police.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the crash that involved a single-engine piston M20F aircraft.

"An NTSB investigator is en route to the scene and is expected to arrive this afternoon," the NTSB said in a statement to Patch. "Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation."

Witnesses to the crash or those who have surveillance video or other information that could be relevant to the investigation are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.

"We are all saddened by the tragic plane crash at Beverly Airport this morning," Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill said. "This is a sad day for our community. My heart and my prayers are with the deceased victim, with the second person who was lifeflighted from the scene, and with their families and loved ones."

"My gratitude goes out to our Beverly first responders for their outstanding actions in a very difficult circumstance."

Officials said an inspection was done on the airfield to ensure no debris or abnormalities were present. No discrepancies were found and the airport was reopened, officials said.