Prince George, BC – Vernon RCMP confirm two men – one from Kelowna, the other from the Port Moody area – were killed in the crash of a twin-engine Piper airplane near the Vernon airport this afternoon.

Constable Gord Molendyk says the aircraft had just taken off when it crashed into an adjacent sports field (Marshall’s Fields) and burst into flames upon impact.  RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service were called to the scene and began their investigation shortly after 1pm.

"At this time, we are able to confirm the pilot of the aircraft was from Kelowna.  He was 59-years-old," says Molendyk.  "His passenger was from the Port Moody area and was 55-years-old."

The wreckage has been moved from the fields and is being held for further investigation.  Constable Molendyk says the BC Coroner’s Service has taken charge of the investigation, but police continue to assist by interviewing witnesses.