Authorities are investigating a fatal plane crash near the Fort Rice recreational area.

The MyNDNow website reports the plane went down Tuesday afternoon in the Missouri River, about a mile from the Fort Rice boat ramp.

The pilot, who was from out of state, was dead at the scene. No passengers were on board at the time of the crash.

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier says more information will be released once the man's family is notified.

Eyewitness say the small plane, a crop duster,  circled at least 4 times in the area before stalling and hitting the water.

KXMB says the Morton County Sheriff's Department, Emmons County Sheriff's Department and the Burleigh County Sheriff's Departments are all on scene of the crash, with a dive and rescue team.

An official with the Flight Standards District office in Fargo says they will be sending a crew from their Fargo office to investigate.

[Source: KXMB/MyNDNow]

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