MARICOPA, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV/AP) - Authorities say a World War II-era plane has crashed near the town of Maricopa leaving two people dead.
Mark Clark, spokesperson with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office said authorities received several 911 calls just before noon reporting a plane crash near Ralston and Papago roads in western Pinal County.
Clark confirm two people died in the crash. The pilot of the plane has been identified as 61-year-old Jeffrey Pino and the passenger has been identified as 72-year-old Nickolas Tramontano.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said preliminary information on the crash indicated the plane was a P-51D Mustang, a type of single-engine American fighter used during World War II.
Gregor also said preliminary information indicated the plane caught fire after crashing.
The spokesman said the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.
