2 seriously injured in small plane crash at Lee County airport

SANFORD, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two people were injured when a small plane crashed into a field Wednesday afternoon at Raleigh Executive Jetport at 700 Rod Sullivan Road in Lee County.

It happened just after 4 p.m. The two on board, a pilot and a mechanic, were hurt. The pilot was identified as Terrence Gallagher of Chapel Hill, who was also the owner of the plane. He was life-flighted to UNC Hospitals in critical condition.

The mechanic was identified as Scott Riley. He was listed in serious condition after being life-flighted to Duke.

The pilot was practicing touch-and-go maneuvers, authorities said. They are typically used in emergency situations.

On its last takeoff, the plane veered to the left and hit the ground, causing the crash.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will take over and begin an investigation Thursday morning.

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