1 dead in small plane crash near runway at Albany International Airport

Local and federal officials in New York are investigating after a small plane crashed near the Albany International Airport mid Monday morning killing the one person on board, the pilot.

A Colonie Police Department spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY officers, assisted by additional police, fire and EMS crews, responded to the scene in Latham, located in east central New York.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a twin-engine Piper PA-31 crashed near the end of the runway at the airport about 8:15 a.m. local time.

Police Lt. Anthony Sidoti said the department received multiple calls about a small aircraft that was “spinning around” and ultimately crashed in a wooded area adjacent near the airport. Responding police and fire personnel found the downed aircraft fully involved in flames and extinguished the fire, he said.

The pilot died in the crash, Sidoti said.

The identity of the pilot is being withheld until notification of next of kin, local officials reported.

Albany International Airport continues to operate

Airport officials posted on Facebook the privately-owned aircraft crashed offsite just southeast of the airport's property.

"Please note that the airport continues to operate and there has been no impact to commercial air service. All flights are arriving and departing on time," officials wrote in the post. "We’re working with partners to learn more and will provide an update when able."

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People being asked to avoid airport area due to plane crash

According to a post on Facebook, police were asking people to avoid the area due to road closures.

Both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, according to the FAA.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.