2 people killed after mid-air collision of helicopter and plane in Chandler, Arizona

Authorities in Chandler, Arizona, are at the scene of a mid-air collision involving a helicopter and a plane that left two people dead.

Single-engine Piper PA-28 and Robinson R22 helicopter collided at Chandler Airpark Friday morning, police said Tweeter and the Federal Aviation Administration. The police asked people to avoid the area.

Sgt. Jason McClimans said the two killed were on board the helicopter, but provided no further details. Authorities believe two people were on board each plane.

The Chandler Fire Department told NBC Phoenix affiliate KPNX that the helicopter had crashed and caught on fire. The plane landed safely, according to the information station. The FAA said the plane damaged its landing gear.

McClimans said the helicopter is operated by Quantum Helicopters and the aircraft is operated by Flight Operations Academy, both of which are flight schools.

A spokesperson for the city of Chandler, located about 35 km southeast of Phoenix, said the National Transportation Safety Board has been contacted and will handle the crash investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration. .

This is a developing story, please check for updates.