LANCASTER, Pa. — The pilot killed in a plane crash near Lancaster Airport Sunday morning was a family physician who practiced in Lebanon County for 24 years and is remembered as "a compassionate caregiver" by members of his practice.

A Piper PA-46 crashed into a field north of the airport shortly after taking off around 8 a.m., according to the FAA. The pilot was the airplane’s only passenger, the agency said.

The crash happened around 8 a.m. Sunday after the plane took off from Lancaster Airport. A 58-year-old Lebanon man was identified as the lone victim.