Authorities say two people escaped injury after their small plane went down near the Vance Brand Airport in Longmont.

The Beechcraft Bonanza crashed in a field near the airport's main runway at about 10:10 a.m. Wednesday.

Pilot Brian Higley of Longmont says he started having engine problems as he prepared to land at the airport. He says he knew he couldn't get that far, so he set the plane down in a field.

Higley and passenger Robert Matlacki of Westminster were able to walk away.

The plane sustained minor damage.