WESLACO - An airplane crash claimed the life of the pilot of a Beechcraft Bonanza about 10:53 a.m. this morning near the Weslaco/Mid-Valley Airport, said George Garrett, emergency management coordinator for Weslaco.

 A passenger was airlifted by a Valley AirCare helicopter to Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. 

Officials believe the aircraft was attempting to land when it crashed into a fence just outside the landing strip. Officials cordoned off part of Joe Stephens Avenue by the airport.

 No names were released pending notification of relatives. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to arrived at the scene to investigate.