CENTRALIA — The pilot of a gyrocopter was killed Monday afternoon when his experimental aircraft crashed into a field on Woods Lane just east of the Centralia Airport.

The crash occurred around 2:40 Monday afternoon. Centralia City Fire Department, Centralia Fire Protection District, Centralia police, Marion County Sheriff deputies, and the Marion County Coroner, all responded to the crash.

When emergency personnel say when they arrived on the scene the pilot was deceased. He has been identified by family members as Ray Brown, of rural Carlyle.

Marion County Coroner Troy Cannon says an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday will be conducted to determine whether Brown suffered a medical condition which may have contributed to the crash, or if he died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the crash itself on Tuesday to determine whether mechanical issues may have caused the aircraft to lose power or control.

The Day/Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval is assisting the family with arrangements.