Five dead in Oklahoma plane crash

McAlester, Oklahoma, firefighters stand by the wreckage of a Piper PA-34 that crashed Wednesday.

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McALESTER, Oklahoma (CNN) -- Five people were killed aboard a single-engine plane that crashed near the McAlester, Oklahoma, airport, authorities said.

The weather was clear when the crash occurred around 4:15 p.m. (5:15 p.m. EST) Wednesday, said Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesman Robert Padgett.

Witnesses said the plane was trying to land at the McAlester City Airport. It apparently rolled to the left after engine problems, Padgett said.

The highway patrol is one of many agencies that will investigate the accident, he said.

McAlester is about 90 miles south of Tulsa.

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