CLARENCE, N.Y. — A pilot was injured and taken to the hospital via Mercy Flight Saturday afternoon after a small single-engine plane they were flying crashed into trees south of the Clarence Aerodrome, the Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office announced.

Fire officials say following the crash the pilot was trapped in the plane’s cockpit with injuries but was alert and talking.

Crews say they worked to free the pilot, who was evaluated by medics and then transported to Erie County Medical Center via Mercy Flight.

"The pilot had difficulty on the approach of some kind,” Clarence Emergency Manager Dave Bissonette said. “We are not sure what yet. A lot of unanswered questions at this point and we are very early in the investigation."

The Erie County Sheriff’s Office has secured the scene and are waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

The Swormville and East Amherst Fire Departments initially responded to the scene, with Clarence Center, North Amherst and Buffalo Airport Fire also assisting.