Pilot killed in small plane crash in western Missouri

Authorities say the pilot of a single-engine plane was killed when the aircraft crashed into a cornfield in western Missouri’s Bates County.

The crash was reported late Monday morning after the plane was reported overdue Sunday afternoon.

Another pilot in the area spotted the wreckage in the field northwest of Adrian and landed to help direct emergency responders to the site.

A Bates County sheriff’s deputy also used a search and rescue drone to help guide other deputies, state troopers, police and medics to the crash site.

Officials say the plane had taken off from a private airstrip, and the pilot was the only person aboard the plane.

Authorities have not released the pilot’s name.