Authorities identify man killed in Aspen, Colo. plane crash

Jan. 5, 2014: Emergency crews work near a plane that crashed upon landing at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, Colo.AP/The Aspen Times

Jan. 5, 2014: A fiery plane crash at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Colorado Sunday killed at least one person, authorities said.Courtesy of Jay Sills

One person was killed Sunday when a plane crashed at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in western Colorado, authorities said.

The Pitkin County Sheriff's Office confirmed that three people were on the plane. Of the survivors, one suffered serious injuries and one was said to have suffered minor injuries.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane took off from Tuscon, Ariz. The Canadair Challenger 601 crashed around 12:30 p.m. local time, according to the Aviation Safety Network site, Reuters reported.

Jay Sills, who was driving near the airport at the time of the crash, told Fox Report Sunday that conditions around the site were 'pretty gusty' when the plane made its second attempt to land.

'I just saw the smoke, and when I came around the corner, the plane was flipped over,' Sills said.

None of those involved, including the deceased, have been publicly identified, Reuters reported.

Comedian Kevin Nealon, an apparent eyewitness, tweeted details about the crash.

'Horrible plane crash here at Aspen airport,' he said. 'Exploded into flames as it was landing. I think it was a private jet.'

Country singer LeAnn Rimes, who also witnessed the crash, tweeted, 'So sad! Horrible plane crash we just saw happen at the Aspen airport.'

Aspen, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is about 100 miles southwest of Denver.

The airport remained closed late Sunday afternoon.

news3blog.blogspot.com contributed to this report.