CORRECTION: A previous version of this story mistakenly identified Capt. Roy Allen as a member of the State Highway Patrol. He is actually the patrol commander with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office.

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RALEIGH – Authorities are investigating a small plane crash near the Durham-Chatham county line.

The Chatham County Sheriff's Office said the aircraft crashed in a field just off Highway 751 around noon Wednesday. Troopers say two people were on board the aircraft but no one was hurt. Authorities say the male pilot and female passenger were out of the plane and walking around by the time they arrived.

“I have talked with both the pilot and his passenger. Other than being excited, they’re fine. They did not go to the hospital,” Capt. Roy Allen, with the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, said.

Investigators say the passengers left a private airport in Apex. As they were flying just south of the county line, the pilot told authorities that he saw smoke and flames inside the cabin before losing control and landing in the field.

"He thought there was some smoke coming out. He noticed the flames. He lost the ability to control the airplane. Then, he just set it down," Allen said.

FAA officials say a fire destroyed the single-engine Cessna. Witnesses say there was a small explosion when the fire hit the fuel tank and it was fully engulfed by the time emergency crews arrived.

"I think both of them said they were happy to be alive. They were very thankful,” Allen said. “This Thanksgiving is going to be extremely special for both of them."

Highway 751 was closed for a few hours during the initial investigation.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

The aircraft is registered to Cary, N.C., resident Kent Misegades.