Chambers County Sheriff Joe LaRive has released the names of three men killed in a plane crash in Chambers County.

The single engine plane went down at about 2:30 p.m. Thursday in a hayfield between Oak Island and Anahuac, near FM 563.

Sheriff LaRive says the victims are William Cox, 76, Beach City, Charles Blasingame, 76, Beach City, and Paul Mitchell, 37, Mont Belvieu.

LaRive says Cox owned the plane and was the pilot. He had more than 50 years of flying experience. Sheriff LaRive says Blasingame was also a certified pilot.

Witnesses report hearing the engine sputter before seeing the plane nosedive into the ground.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash.

According to family members, the three men had spent the day flying over the bay, marking GPS points for an upcoming fishing trip. Autopsies have been performed under the order of Chambers County Justice of the Peace Tracy Woody.

Funeral services are pending for the three victims.