2 dead after small plane crashes into Payson home

PAYSON, Ariz. (KSAZ/AP) -- Authorities say two people are dead after a small plane crashed into a home in the north-central Arizona town of Payson.

Federal Aviation Administration officials say the single-engine Cessna 240 went down under unknown circumstances around 6:40 p.m. Saturday.

The Payson Police Department has identified the victims as 63-year-old Craig Raymond McEntee and 56-year-old Marilee Marshall Brusaschetti. McEntee was the pilot in the plane and Brusaschetti was the passenger. Both were Phoenix residents.

McEntee ran a successful accounting firm, McEntee and Associates. The company told FOX 10 they have no comment. Brusaschetti was a Phoenix businesswoman who just last summer visited FOX 10 for a segment on jobs and dressing for success. She ran the Tempe office of Patrice Associates, which connects hospitality job seekers to companies.

Brusaschetti's son expressed his grief over the loss of his mother on Facebook, stating in part, "I'm going to miss you mom. I love you so much and wish I could say it to you one last time at least."

Officials say McEntee and Brusaschetti left Glendale Airport and were heading for the Payson airport when the plane crashed.

Payson authorities say the man who owns the home was able to get out safely.

Firefighters who responded to the crash say the plane sliced through the home's room and caused extensive damage to the front and back of the house.

The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board, and Payson Police Department are investigating the cause of the crash.