The Federal Aviation Administration is confirming the deaths of up to seven people in a plane crash near Bloomington. A noon press conference is scheduled.

The crash occurred east of Bloomington as the occupants were returning to Central Illinois Regional Airport (CIRA) from Indianapolis, site of Monday night's NCAA title game.

FAA and National Transportation Safety Board investigators were enroute to the crash scene. The aircraft is to be towed to a secured hanger at CIRA for the investigation.

Reports stated Scott Bittner, longtime owner of Eureka's Bittner's Locker, was on the twin engine C414A Cessna Chancellor that belonged to his father, Terry Bittner. Terry Bittner was not aboard.

According to the National Weather Service, visibility at ground level was one-half mile to a mile at ground level and 200 feet above ground in the area at the time of the crash between 3 and 3:30 am. A NWS meteorologist said there was dense fog starting around 10 pm. but no storms.

Rescue crews and the McLean County Coroner's office have been at the scene since early morning. The McLean County Sheriff's Office said the plane was located in a field near Illinois 9 and 2100 East.

94.1 WGFA