Pilot killed in small plane crash into Ocotillo Wells hillside

The pilot of a light aircraft was killed Tuesday morning when the plane crashed into a Ocotillo Wells hillside, authorities reported.

Cal Fire crews discovered the body of the decedent, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft when it went down, according to Cal Fire and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The small fixed wing plane, later revealed as a Piper PA-22, caught on fire and completely burned, Cal Fire PIO Captain Josh Cormode said.

Cal Fire crews hiked up the hillside to the wreck of the four-seat airplane, which was on a promontory known as Blowsand hill off of Quarry Road, Cormode said. The fire stayed within the crash site.

California State Parks will take over the incident, Cormode said.

There is no further information on the cause of the crash at this time.

This is a developing story, details may change. Check back for updates.