Disaster happened on Saturday when people were gathering to view the solar eclipse.

Authorities said two people died in a small plane crash near a central Oregon airport where people were gathering to view the solar eclipse.

The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network has said the pilot and a passenger were killed in the crash about 2 p.m. on Saturday about a mile south of Madras Municipal Airport. Authorities did not identify the victims.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the small plane was approaching a central Oregon airport when it crashed, the Oregonian/Oregonlive reports.

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor has said the plane that crashed Saturday was a single-engine, homebuilt Wheeler Express.

Probe on

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

Campers have been gathering at the airport for Monday’s eclipse.

About 200,000 people are expected in the area that’s considered a prime viewing spot as the moon completely blots out the sun.