UPDATE: Names released in fatal plane crash

UPDATE — Tuesday, July 19th, 2016 9:55 a.m. (EDT)

Police have released the names of the two men killed in the plane crash Monday night in Ely Township. Ishpeming residents Dean Honkala, 49 and William Brewer, 48, were killed in the crash. At this time, authorities do not know who the pilot was.

The FAA and NTSB will be conducting an investigation of the crash scene. There is no word yet on what caused the plane to crash.

The investigation is expected to take a couple of days.

ELY TOWNSHIP — 12:52 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, 2016 (EDT)

Michigan State Police at the Negaunee post confirm that two passengers in a plane that crashed Monday evening have perished.

The plane is an Aeronca 11AC, similar to the photo pictured below. It’s described as a two-seat, high-wing, single engine aircraft.

There were no other passengers in the plane and no other injuries to report. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined.

Grand Rapids Flight Station, the FAA, and NTSB have been notified and are continuing the investigation along with Michigan State Police.

Immediately after EMS crews responded to the scene, at least one person in the plane was taken by Valley Medical Flight helicopter to UP Health System – Marquette.

The crash occurred just after 8:07 p.m.. First responders were called near an old airstrip in South Ishpeming on County Road CD about 800 feet off County Road 581.

Assisting Michigan State Police officers at the scene were officers with the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, members of Marquette Search and Rescue, personel from Ishpeming Township Police Department, and Ely Township First Responders.

Medical assistance was also provided by UP Health System – Bell EMS, and Valley Med Flight.

The identities of the victims are being withheld at this time until authorities can notify the families.