Small plane crashes after taking off at DuPage Airport in West Chicago; 2 dead: officials

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A small plane crashed after taking off from DuPage Airport in West Chicago Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Two people were killed, according to airport officials.

The Piper PA-30, a twin-engine plane, crashed around 1:50 p.m. with two people onboard, the FAA said.

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Airport officials said the two people died on the scene.

West Chicago police and fire crews were responding to the crash.

The airport is located at 2700 International Drive in West Chicago.

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Chopper 7 was over the scene about 2:30 p.m., and what appeared to be debris from a small plane was visible in the airport's runway area.

There was also a large emergency response.

Members of the International Flying Club owned the plane.

"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident," airport officials said.

One pilot landed just after the plane came down.

"When we're coming in, we're talking with the first controllers. And we're doing what's called an instrument approach. And they put us on runway to zero. And then they said the runway is closed because of an accident," Allan Goldstein said.

One woman who lives in the area said the timing of the crash is tragic.

"I'm just sorry it happened this close to Christmas. I'm sorry it would happen any time. But this the timing just makes it even sadder," neighbor Susan Hultgren said.

The airport has partially reopened after the crash.

"We saw the wreckage as we were taxiing back to the hangar, and I said, 'Allan, that doesn't look good over there,'" said Jerald Gary, who landed just after the crash.

An official with the International Flying Club, based out of DuPage Airport, said both people on the plane had connections to the club. One was a current member, and one was a former member. ABC7 was told the aircraft was owned by multiple club members.

Authorities have not yet named the two victims.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.