By Jorge Casuso

September 9, 2022 -- The pilot of a single engine aircraft and his passenger died after the plane operated by a local flight school crashed at Santa Monica Airport.

Firefighters responding to the crash shortly before 4: 30 p.m. found the Piper Sport two-seat aircraft in the infield engulfed in flames, said Fire Capt. Patrick Nulty.

"Aircraft Rescue Firefighters arrived in 1 minute 39 seconds and suppressed the flames within minutes," Nulty said.

"The aircraft was inbound to the airport when it touched down, made an abrupt upward maneuver before crashing in the infield," Nulty said.

"There were two souls on board and unfortunately both perished in the accident."

The airport was expected to remain closed while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates the cause of the crash, Nulty said. It is expected to reopen Friday.

There were no impacts to Santa Monica neighborhoods, Nulty said.

Firefighters were assisted by the Santa Monica Police, Santa Monica Airport Operations, and NTSB.