MAXWELL, Neb. -- Officials have preliminarily identified two people killed in a plane crash near Maxwell.

Cody Thomas with the Nebraska State Patrol made the announcement Thursday morning.

The crash occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The two occupants are believed to be Adam Helmerichs, 41, of Lincoln, and Zachary Clausen, 22, of Lincoln, Thomas said.

Next of kin has been notified and both families have confirmed that the two were traveling together. Helmerichs was the pilot.

Final positive identification is pending additional investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash itself.