LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. -- Two men died in a small plane crash in a field near the Lincoln County Airport.

It happened sometime around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. 

The pilot and passenger have been identified as Teddy Heavner, 63, and Basil Sain, 54. Both men are from Lincolnton. Family members say the men were best friends. 

They were headed to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for golfing and an airshow.

The plane, a 1977 Piper, was owned by the pilot.

This is the first deadly crash at the Lincoln County Airport.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash.

There's no word on if the rainy conditions played a role in the accident.