Pilot dead after plane crashes at Athens airport

This browser does not support the video element.

ATHENS, Ga. — Officials are investigating a plane crash at Athens-Ben Epps Airport, Athens-Clarke County Police Department confirmed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2′s Ashli Lincoln learned the pilot flying the plane died after crashing into a heavily wooded area, according to Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Batallion Chief Nate Moss.

Moss said the pilot took off shortly before 7 p.m. and began experiencing mechanical issues.

TRENDING STORIES:

He radioed to the tower for help, but to no avail.

The plane crashed in a wooded area near the intersection of Cherokee Road and Buddy Christian Way, Moss said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Officials have not identified the pilot, nor the size of the plane he was flying.

IN OTHER NEWS:

This browser does not support the video element.