The Federal Aviation Administration is trying to determine what caused a single-engine plane to crash in Copiah County shortly after takeoff, killing both men on board.

Authorities say pilot Gerry Mosley of Hazlehurst and passenger Steve Davis of Brookhaven were pronounced dead Tuesday at the scene about a half-mile from the Copiah County Airport.

Authorities say witnesses said the plane began circling before its engine shut off moments after it left the airport runway.

The plane crashed in an open field and burst into flames.

Copiah County Airport is a small facility between Crystal Springs and Hazlehurst where private planes are housed.