THOMSON, Ga. — A small plane aborted its landing at a Georgia airport before it hit a 60-foot utility pole and crashed, killing five people onboard and leaving two hurt, federal authorities said Thursday.

National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt said at a news conference that the plane burst into flames after crashing. One of the plane’s wings was cut off when it hit the pole, causing the aircraft to leak fuel that then ignited, he said. The plane is almost completely destroyed.