Two dead in fatal plane crash in St. Johns River in Putnam County

Two people are dead following a fatal plane crash on Tuesday night in Crescent City according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

A FHP report stated the Kodiak 100 aircraft took off from Mt. Royal Airport, before crashing into the St. Johns River.

Investigators are working to find out the cause of the crash.

The two occupants of the plane were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The pilot of the plane was identified as Michael Martin of Georgetown, and the passenger, Patrick Magie, 56, was from Cordova, AK.

The plane was registered to Pegasus of Montana LLC out of West Virginia.

Multiple law enforcement agencies including fire and rescue were called to the scene.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office said it was a 10 passenger plane.

PCSO said the wreckage is in 10 feet of water and there is a large debris field.

Col. Joseph Wells with PCSO said they were able to retrieve a tail number from the plane and believe it is privately owned.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page, follow @ActionNewsJax on Twitter and watch Action News Jax on CBS47 at 5 for the latest.

This is the runway at Mt.Royal Air Park where the plane that crashed took off. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/S2nTtY92tk
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

#EXCLUSIVE: Here’s a closer look at the damage. Investigators tell us this was a single engine, 10 passenger aircraft with 2 people on board when it crashed. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/6tQQybwnKV
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

FHP tells me the National Transportation Safety Board will be on scene to investigate this morning. https://t.co/tghORFt5Pv
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that a second body has been found. This is in regard to Tuesday evening's plane crash in Crescent City. @ActionNewsJax
— Kevin Clark (@KClark_News) February 28, 2018

I just spoke to FHP, they tell me NTSB will in Putnam Co. this morning to investigate the plane crash that killed 2 people. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/OT08xAUIKn
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

Deputies tells us a witness saw the plane crash into the St.Johns River around 7:30 Tuesday evening. Investigators believe 2 people were on board the private single engine aircraft. pic.twitter.com/bekMxTiGXu
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

Troopers say it will likely take a barge to remove plane wreckage from the St.Johns River. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews https://t.co/L6ZJRp7dNB
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) February 28, 2018

LIVE: putnam plane crash briefing
LIVE: Briefing from Putnam County Sheriff's Office on fatal plane crash in St. Johns River. What we know: http://bit.ly/2FDQoFO
Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, February 27, 2018

LIVE: putnam plane crash
LIVE: 🚁 Sky Action News Jax over the St. Johns River where a plane crashed, killing one. Audio from FOX30 news cast with updates. More information: http://bit.ly/2FDQoFO
Posted by Action News Jax on Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Putnam County Sheriff's Office tells me they are still the lead on this investigation until FHP releases it to them. Not allowing us to get close to river yet. https://t.co/3RRi7xiNLl
— Kevin Clark (@KClark_News) February 28, 2018

It's worth noting there is an airport right here, but PCSO could not tell me whether the plane was departing from or arriving there. https://t.co/mryBaIze4Q
— Kevin Clark (@KClark_News) February 28, 2018

Plane Crash: Update:
One confirmed fatal on scene. Searching for possible second victim. Small aircraft, not experimental.
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) February 28, 2018

Small plane crash: Putnam Co. near Fort Gates Ferry Road.

FHP is working case and will be sole source of information. Once information is confirmed, we will distribute accordingly.

FHP Units are arriving now. Multiple agencies on scene for assistance. More info to follow. pic.twitter.com/yxIuWLSsxU
— FHPJacksonville (@FHPJacksonville) February 28, 2018

We have a small airplane crash in the river near Fort Gates Ferry. Sheriff’s Office personnel on scene. One confirmed fatality. Florida Highway Patrol is responding to work the crash. Further questions are referred to FHP.
— Putnam County (Fla.) SO (@PutnamCountySO) February 28, 2018

BREAKING: Plane crash in Putnam County according to FHP. @ActionNewsJax working to get more information. FOX30 at 10p for latest. Will keep you posted here too.
— John Bachman (@BachmanANjax) February 28, 2018