GWINNER, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say the pilot of crop spraying plane, 45 year old John Goerger of Barney, North Dakota, has been killed in a crash in Sargent County.

Sheriff Travis Paeper says crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday about 8 miles west of Gwinner. Paeper says dense fog in the area is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

The sheriff says a farmer who lives nearby witnessed the crash. The pilot was working for an area crop spraying company. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the cause.