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2 Dead in Plane Crash Near Petaluma Airport

PETALUMA (CBS SF) -- Two people died after a plane crashed near Petaluma Municipal Airport Sunday afternoon, Sonoma County fire officials confirmed.

The crash happened in the area of E. Washington Street between Adobe Road and Executive Drive at about 4:30 p.m.

Pieces of the plane were scattered across the road. The aircraft was completely destroyed by the impact.

Witnesses said they heard a loud boom when the plane went down.

"You could hear the plane take off and as soon as it got over the golf course, you could hear it sputtering. It didn't sound right," said witness Ed Anzore. "His engine caught on for two or three seconds and started sputtering again. He made a right turn going back towards the airport. The next thing you know the plane went sideways and went straight down. All you could here was the loud 'thud!' into the concrete."

Police said at 4:32 p.m. that the roadway is closed and there is heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding area.

Emergency crews main on the scene investigating the crash an have blocked off the area.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.

The road was closed for over five hours, reopening at 9:43 p.m. Sunday. There was no further information available about the victim's identities.

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