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By The Associated Press

COLUMBIA, California — Four people were killed when a small private plane crashed at a northern California airport.

The aftermath of Wednesday's crash near the airport in Columbia, California. Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office

The Tuolumne County Sheriff's Department said the aircraft had been trying to land on the runway in the town of Columbia but veered to the left.

The Cessna 310 was fully engulfed in flames when emergency crews arrived, according to authorities.

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board were due to arrive Thursday.