Two Killed in Plane crash

Updates , Video from NBC

Sandwich, IL. - Two people were killed in a Saturday afternoon plane crash just north of northwest Sandwich, authorities said.

A single-engine, 1946-era plane crashed in a field about one mile north of Sandwich at 1:49 p.m., Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizabeth Isham Cory said in a recorded statement.

Randall Hougham, 53, and Lauren Hamilton, 22, both of Sandwich, were pronounced dead on the scene at 2:30 p.m., according to a release from the DeKalb County Coroner’s office.

Hougham was flying the plane when it crashed into a cornfield just north of the Sandwich Airport, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office. The plane caught fire upon impact.

Further details were not immediately available.

The cause of the crash was under investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s office, the DeKalb County Coroner’s office, the National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA. Full Coverage

Sandwich Airport owner George Pearce said to his knowledge the plane was neither coming nor going from the small rural airport.

"People have been calling (and asking questions) just like you," he said when asked about the crash.

Nearby residents were also oblivious to the downed plane.

The National Transportation Safety Board will be the lead investigative team, but will receive assistance from the FAA, the DeKalb coroner's office and sheriff's office, Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Elizaeth Isham Cory said.