Concord, California - Tragedy struck on Tuesday as a small plane crash claimed the life of one person near Buchanan Field Airport in Concord. Contra Costa Fire officials confirmed the fatality and are currently investigating the cause of the incident.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Concord Ave. and Diamond Blvd., where the wreckage of a Van's RV-6 aircraft now rests on the road. FlightAware data indicates that the plane involved in the crash had the matching tail number. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was performing a maneuver known as touch-and-go prior to the crash. Responding fire officials heard similar reports, leading them to believe that the plane went into a nosedive shortly after takeoff.

Buchanan Field Airport, just a few blocks away from the crash site, was identified as the departure point for the ill-fated flight. The person who lost their life in the crash was the sole occupant of the plane. Contra Costa Fire Battalion Chief Kevin Platt stated that conflicting reports suggest the plane had either been conducting touch-and-gos or had taken off multiple times before the fatal flight.

The aftermath of the crash left significant damage in the surrounding area. A car passing by the scene was clipped by the plane, resulting in the driver sustaining minor injuries. Emergency crews treated the injured driver on-site.

As a result of the incident, the Pleasant Hill Police Department has temporarily closed off Concord Ave. between Contra Costa Blvd. and Meridian Park Blvd. in Concord. The closure is expected to last up to 12 hours as authorities conduct their investigations and clear the crash site.

Local and federal authorities are working together to determine the exact cause of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

This small plane crash serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with aviation, highlighting the need for rigorous safety protocols and ongoing vigilance within the aviation community.