Two killed in small plane crash near small Oregon airport

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff from an Oregon airport on Labor Day, killing two people.

Witnesses said the plane burst into flames around 10 a.m. Rescuers found it burning in a field near the runway at the Creswell Airport, 15 miles south of Eugene.

The Lane County Sheriff's Office identified the pilot as 35-year-old Milo Skinner of Springfield and the lone passenger as 83-year-old Hal Skinner of Springfield. Hal Skinner owned the plane his grandson was piloting.

Sheriff's Lt. Chris Doyle the aircraft reported engine troubles shortly after takeoff and was trying to return to the airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board identified the two-seat plane as a Silvaire Luscombe 8A.

The airport located just east of Interstate 5 is owned and operated by the city of Creswell.