Small plane crash near Tampa's US 301 kills 2, FAA investigating

TAMPA, Fla. (WINK)— Two people died after a small aircraft crashed and burst into flames near North US Highway 301 this morning, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Emergency dispatchers began receiving multiple 911 calls around 8:16 a.m. reporting a downed aircraft near the 7600 block of North US Highway 301. Firefighters arrived to find the plane heavily engulfed in flames.

Crews quickly attacked the blaze and brought it under control in less than 10 minutes. No first responders were injured during the response.

Two people on board the aircraft were confirmed deceased at the scene. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office secured the area pending the arrival of federal investigators.

The FAA and NTSB will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue extended its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who died.