A UPS cargo jet crashed and erupted into flames a half-mile from the airport in Birmingham, Ala., this morning. The two pilots on board died in the crash, according to law enforcement sources at the scene.

The plane had taken off from Louisville and was on final approach to Birmingham International Airport at 6:10 a.m. when it went down, according to authorities.

The TSA said they believed the pilot and copilot were the only individuals on board with the cargo. The National Transportation Safety Board launched an immediate investigation into the crash, announcing that they would send a full "Go Team" of investigators to Birmingham.

"The NTSB investigation will be led by our lead investigator in charge, Dr. Dan Bower, accompanied by experts in the area of structures, power plants, systems, air traffic control, human performance, aircraft performance, and a number of disciplines," said Robert w. Sumwalt, a board member of the NTSB who spoke in Washington, D.C., before boarding a plane to Birmingham this morning. more here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/ups-cargo-plan ... d=19955672