By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of a small aircraft that went down in Franklin Township late Saturday morning, prompting a coordinated emergency response and an ongoing search for additional victims.
According to Franklin Township Public Safety Director Quovella M. Maeweather, the incident began at approximately 11:26 a.m., when the Franklin Township Police Department (FTPD) received a distress alert from air traffic control. 
The message indicated that communication had been lost with a single-engine aircraft flying over the area.
The plane was last tracked near South Middlebush Road and Jacques Lane.
Responding swiftly, New Jersey State Police launched an aerial search operation, while the Millstone Valley Fire Department (MVFD) deployed a drone to assist in locating the missing aircraft.
Roughly two hours later, at around 1:22 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided critical data that led first responders to the wreckage.
The plane was found in a dense, brush-covered area close to South Middlebush Lane and Hilltop Lane.
Upon arrival, personnel from the FTPD and MVFD confirmed that there was one individual inside the aircraft. No survivors were reported.
To ensure public safety and preserve the integrity of the investigation, officials have evacuated and secured the crash site. Authorities continue to search the surrounding area to rule out the presence of any additional occupants.
Residents are being urged to avoid the vicinity to prevent obstruction of emergency efforts and investigative procedures.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed primary responsibility for the investigation.
Local and federal officials will continue working together to determine the cause of the crash.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Detective William Poling at 732-873-5533.