Two small plane crashes under investigation

NORFOLK, Neb. — Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol remain on scene of two small plane crashes this morning in northeast Nebraska.

The Nebraska State Patrol is the lead investigating agency on the plane crash that occurred in Knox County. The crash was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. today. The location is approximately 4 miles southwest of Crofton, Nebraska.

First responders, including troopers and Knox County Sheriff’s deputies, located the pilot, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The pilot was the plane's lone occupant at the time of the crash. The name of the deceased will be released following family notification.

The second crash occurred a short time later near Wayne, Nebraska. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigating agency for that incident. The Sheriff’s Office will release details when possible.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted and will investigate both crashes. Troopers have used drones to survey both crash scenes to assist each investigation.