An investigation continues after a small plane crashed during takeoff from an airport near Kansas City, killing the pilot and a passenger.
The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the victims as the pilot, Jonathan J. Vannatta, 48, of Maumelle, Arkansas, and passenger Darcy L. Matthews, 43, of Belton, Texas. The Federal Aviation Administration registry lists Vannatta as co-owner of the plane.
The accident happened around 4 p.m. Tuesday at Johnson County Executive Airport. The plane was on fire when emergency responders arrived. FAA spokesman Tony Molinaro says the single-engine Mooney M20S crashed "under unknown circumstances" shortly after departing from the airport.
