Jefferson City Fire Department investigating Saturday morning airplane crash at Memorial Airport

<p>Courtesy of the Jefferson City Fire Department</p><p>The Jefferson City Fire Department responded shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday to Memorial Airport to find a 1999 Comp Air single engine private plane on its top, approximately 10 feet off the runway. The pilot was not injured.</p>

Courtesy of the Jefferson City Fire Department

The Jefferson City Fire Department responded shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday to Memorial Airport to find a 1999 Comp Air single engine private plane on its top, approximately 10 feet off the runway. The pilot was not injured.

A small airplane crashed Saturday morning at Jefferson City Memorial Airport.

The Jefferson City Fire Department responded shortly after 11 a.m. to find a 1999 Comp Air single engine private plane on its top, approximately 10 feet off the runway.

The pilot got out of the plane without assistance and refused medical care.

The runway was immediately shut down and incoming planes were diverted to neighboring airports.

By 3:45 p.m. Saturday, the wreckage had been cleared, and the airport was reopened to normal service.

Investigators believe the accident was caused by strong cross winds striking the plane while the pilot was practicing touch and go landings - thus causing the plane to be pushed off of the runway and overturn.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been in contact with local officials and will be conducting further investigations.