Pilot dies in plane crash near Nome, Alaska

March 7 (UPI) -- The pilot of a small plane died in a crash near Nome, Alaska, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Alaska State Troopers identified the sole occupant of the Cessna 172 single-engine plane as Thomas Grainger, 28, of Wasilla. NTSB investigator Noreen Price said Grainger's plane was traveling from Wasilla to Nome, a trip of about 540 miles, when it was reported overdue Sunday evening.

Nome Search and Rescue personnel found the downed plane in Hastings Creek, about 7 miles from Nome, on Monday morning.

Officials believe Grainger's plane crashed sometime after 10 p.m. Sunday. Police reported the plane was largely intact at the crash site, Price said, an indication of a "vertical crash" in which the plane struck the earth with its nose down. She added the pilot texted his fiancee that weather conditions were preventing his landing.

The FAA, the NTSB and the Alaska Medical Examiner were investigating the crash.