At least two people were killed when a small plane crashed soon after takeoff from an airport near Los Angeles on Sunday, authorities said, Xinhua reported.
The Cessna C180 lost engine power after departing from Santa Paula Airport in Ventura County at about 8:30 p.m. and crashed into a nearby river, said Capt. Ron Oatman with the county's fire department.
Rescuers retrieved a body near the wreckage and found another after searching the area. Their identities were unknow, Oatman said.
The plane was on fire when rescuers arrived, he added.
Federal transportation officials launched an investigation, county officials said.