The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a small plane crashed into a marshland in central North Carolina, killing three people.

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The crash happened just before 7:30 p.m. Friday near Louisburg, North Carolina, shortly after the plane off from the Triangle North Executive Airport.

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office said one man and two women died in the crash and were all on board at the time.

Rescuers searched through muddy conditions, in what appeared to be a recovery effort.

North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the investigation has been turned over to the FAA.

Officials said the plane was registered to a Raleigh company.

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Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC