One person died on Wednesday morning when a small aircraft crashed at Marana Regional Airport, sending thick black smoke into the sky northwest of Tucson, Arizona.
The crash occurred around 8:30 am local time at the airport located near Avra Valley and Sandario Roads, Marana police confirmed.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene after witnesses reported seeing dark smoke rising from the crash site.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating what caused the crash, which reportedly involved a Cessna 172.
Early reports suggest poor weather conditions and gusty winds may have been factors.
Airport operations were temporarily suspended while first responders secured the crash site.
The airport serves as a regional hub for private and charter aircraft in southern Arizona.
This marks the second fatal aviation incident in Arizona this month, following a collision at Scottsdale Airport two weeks ago.
The NTSB expects to release preliminary findings within 30 days.
