KALAMAZOO--WKZO.com reports that one person has died in a small plane that crashed at the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport yesterday morning around 8:45. Witnesses say the plane appeared to have trouble while attempting a takeoff.
Witness Denny Olson says the plane veered off the runway, missed several buildings, crashing through a fence and then hitting an embankment on Kilgore Road before bursting into flames. Police have sealed off a perimeter around the airport at this hour - avoid the area for now.

The Western Michigan University College of Aviation is responding...saying the plane doesn't belong to the school.
Spokesman Tom Meyers says WMU still owns a building at the airport, but rents it to another concern.

Listen to 590 KZO or log on to WKZONEWS.com as the story unfolds.

UPDATE: New information revealing that the small aircraft had been recently serviced over the last few days and eye witness accounts detail engine fauilure shortly after take-off. Witnesses say the plane veered to the right on take-off and was buring when the plane narrowly missed a building where 15 people were working.

Investigators have released the name of the Canadian who died in a crash just to the North of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International yesterday morning.

Capt. Brian Uridge says 60-year-old James George Wilton of Ontario had flown the A-36 Beechcraft to Kalamazoo to have it looked at.

The plane burst into flames on impact as it narrowly missed buildings at the Great Lakes Aviation hangers and offices on Kilgore. 

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. They could issue preliminary findings yet this week, but a final report won’t be done for months.