A pilot was killed after his plane crashed into mountainous terrain in Box Elder County shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, a Cessna Skyhawk, departed from the Salt Lake City International Airport just before 10:30 p.m., according to FlightAware.
Emergency crews responded to reports of the crash around 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Deputies located the wreckage near Willard with assistance from a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter. The pilot, identified as a 44-year-old male from the Salt Lake area, was the sole occupant of the plane and died at the scene.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the accident. Two NTSB investigators responded to the crash site to document the wreckage, which will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Investigators intend to review flight tracker data, aircraft maintenance records, weather conditions, and the pilot's license and experience.
The NTSB encouraged anyone with information or witnesses to the crash to contact them by emailing witness@ntsb.gov.
