Marine killed when civilian plane crashes onto Arizona base

YUMA, Ariz. -- Marine Corps officials say a Marine has died after an aircraft operated by a civilian crashed on a runway in southwest Arizona.

The Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma says the T-59 Hawk crashed there around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday.

Witnesses say the plane appeared to hit the ground at an angle. They say a large explosion erupted followed by smoke in the sky.

"The aircraft crash impacted a government vehicle, resulting in a Marine fatality," a statement from the base said. "The Marine was pronounced dead upon arrival at Yuma Regional Medical Center."

Military officials aren't releasing the Marine's name pending notification of next of kin.

The plane's pilot and passenger were treated by emergency services and released.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and no further details have been released.