MOUNT CARROLL, Ill. (KWQC) - A small plane crashed and caught fire near Mount Carroll Sunday morning, according to the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 10:45 a.m., the airplane crashed near Apple Hill Road, deputies said.

First responders quickly put out the fire and deputies said the pilot and one passenger were able to escape.

Deputies said the plane came from outside the area and the pilot was having difficulties landing at a private airstrip due to wind gusts and crashed.

The pilot was treated for minor injuries and the passenger was airlifted to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, according to deputies.

Monday, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office identified the pilot as 52-year-old Patrick Carson of Madison, Mississippi and the passenger as 41-year-old Anna Griff

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