FAA investigates Roanoke Island plane crash into house

The remains of a small plane still rested on the deck of a Roanoke Island home Wednesday as a federal investigation into what caused Tuesday's crash began.

The Federal Aviation Administration could provide more information today, Dare County Public Information Officer Dorothy Toolan said.

The Piper Lance crashed into the home on Joclar Lane about 6 p.m. Tuesday while approaching Dare County Regional Airport.

The pilot and the passenger were taken to The Outer Banks Hospital for injuries that did not appear serious. Their names were not provided.

No one in the house was injured.

Neighbors Jerry and Cherie Peters said they heard the plane sputter, hit a tree and crash into the home.

Jerry Peters said he ran over and helped pull one of the occupants out of the cockpit.

Debris from the aircraft was scattered over the residence, with part of a wing stuck in a tree.

The plane landed on the upstairs balcony, tearing off part of the rear wall.

Onlookers came to see the damaged house Wednesday but were turned away by authorities.

Toolan said the plane had flown from Monroe, near Charlotte.

Virginian-Pilot photographer Chris Curry contributed to this report.