A small plane crash in Savannah, Georgia, late Friday night claimed the pilot's life and left a passenger with minor injuries, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incident, which occurred just before 10 p.m. ET in the Lamara Heights neighborhood, has raised concerns about aviation safety and will be closely examined by federal authorities. While the passenger was injured, emergency responders reported that no one on the ground was harmed, underscoring the potential for a more catastrophic outcome.

Emergency services responded promptly to the crash site located on the 200 block of E. 66th Street, approximately three miles south of Savannah's historic landmark district. Firefighters arrived to find the wreckage of the aircraft with both the pilot and the passenger trapped inside. The quick actions of the emergency responders were crucial in providing immediate assistance.

The pilot, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the passenger, despite suffering minor injuries, was successfully extricated from the wreckage and transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The local community is mourning the loss of the pilot as more details about the incident and the individuals involved emerge.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. This inquiry typically includes analyzing flight records, interviewing witnesses, and inspecting the wreckage to ascertain potential mechanical failures or pilot errors. The FAA has yet to provide a preliminary report on the findings.

Witnesses reported the aircraft crashed in the Lamara Heights neighborhood just prior to the crash. Eyewitness accounts may provide critical insights into the events leading up to the accident.

Local authorities and officials have expressed relief that no one on the ground was injured during the incident. This outcome is particularly significant considering the residential nature of the Lamara Heights neighborhood, where homes are in close proximity to one another.

In light of this tragedy, community leaders are likely to advocate for increased safety measures and oversight for small aircraft operations in urban areas. Incidents like this raise discussions about current regulations, pilot training requirements, and the necessity for periodic aircraft inspections to prevent future occurrences.

As the investigation continues, more information is expected to be released by the FAA and local authorities. This incident is part of a larger context regarding small aircraft safety in the United States, where fatalities from such crashes, while not exceedingly common, do occur and prompt ongoing discussions about aviation regulations and safety protocols.