Mesa police identify 2 who died in small plane crash on golf course

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Authorities have identified a pilot and his passenger who died after a small plane crashed and burned on a golf course in Mesa.

According to information released by Mesa Fire Department officials, the plane crash happened on Longbow Golf Course, off Recker between Higley and Tucker near McDowell Road on Monday.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Allen Kenitzer says the aircraft involved was a Lancair Evolution that reported having mechanical trouble, and unable to reach an airport. The plane crashed on the golf course's fairway, about a half mile away from the approach end of Falcon Field's Runway 22 left.

Nik Rasheta of the Mesa Police Department stated the pilot, 53-year-old Alan Ram of Scottsdale and passenger, 22-year-old Krista Buchanan of Phoenix, were the only people aboard the plane.

THE FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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