Franklin County pilot, airport manager dies after plane crash

FRANKLIN COUNTY (WTVD) -- According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot involved in a plane crash Saturday afternoon has died.

The pilot was identified as Stephen Merritt, manager of the Triangle North Executive Airport.

The crash happened near N.C. Highway 56 and Walter Collins Road, east of Louisburg just after 2:30 p.m.

According to the FAA, a Cessna 150C aircraft crashed in a field in Franklin County.

They said there was a small fire on the plane when it went down, but fire crews were on scene to put out the flames.

The FAA is investigating the incident; they have yet to comment how the incident occurred.