LAKELAND, Fla. — A 64-year-old Plant City man was killed Saturday when a small plane crashed at Lakeland Linder International Airport, according to authorities.

  • 64-year-old man killed in plane crash at Lakeland airport
  • Gary Alan Mansell was performing "touch and go" landings
  • NTSB is investing the cause of the crash 

Gary Alan Mansell, a student pilot, was performing "touch and go" landings on the runway in a BRM Aero Bristell Light-Sport plane. On his third attempt, the plane took a hard left and crashed into the ground, authorities said. 

The plane then burst into flames, according to authorities.

The Lakeland Fire Department responded to the scene and within minutes extinguished the fire.

Mansell died at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.