DENVER -- A Morrison man was killed when his jet plane crashed near a California airport Saturday.

Authorities said the plane, an Aero Vodochody L-29, crashed near the airport at Tehachapi Californai -- about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Two people were on board and both were killed.

The Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District told 7NEWS the victims are Robert Chamberlain and David Zweigle.

Chamberlain is the president of the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District; Zweigle managed the Tehachapi Airport.

"It is with great personal sadness that I announce that Bob Chamberlain has passed away," board member Ted Fandel said in a news release. "Bob provided excellent financial and management leadership to the Inter-Canyon Fire Protection District. He represented the interest of our citizens in meeting the needs in a growing district. Our deepest condolences go out to the Chamberlain family."

Chamberlain "was a loyal supporter of Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue and our firefighters, serving the citizens of the district," said Dave MacBean, Chief of Inter-Canyon Fire/Rescue. "We will sorely miss his sage advice and friendship. We are profoundly stunned at the early passing of a good man. We are providing support to his family"

Authorities said the crash caused a fire that threatened five homes in the area, but firefighters were able to extinguish it.

Chamberlain retired as a United States Air Force Colonel in 1990 and retired as a Captain and Flight Examiner with United Air Lines in 2006. Robert Chamberlain is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. Memorial services are pending.