Two people killed in plane crash near Kirksville

Authorities say two Wisconsin men died when their single-engine plane crashed near the Kirksville Regional Airport

Kirksville airport Director Glenn Balliew says the Piper 32-A Saratoga crashed while on approach to the northern Missouri airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration told KTVO-TV the last radar and radio contact with the aircraft was around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday when the plane was five miles from the airport making its final approach.

Adair County Coroner Brian Noe identified the victims Wednesday as 64-year-old Robert Groh and 66-year-old James Quinn. The coroner did not know which one was the pilot.

Balliew says the plane’s wreckage was scattered along a 300-yard path through a pasture, a wooded area and a bean field about three miles from Kirksville. The bodies of the two victims were found in a ditch.

Investigators say the airplane was stopping for fuel on a flight from Denver. An investigation by the National Transportation and Safety Board continues.