SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — Authorities say a 46-year-old pilot from Nebraska has been critically burned in the crash of his small plane at an East Texas airport.

David German of Ogallala (oh-gah-LAH’-lah), Nebraska, was at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas on Friday.

Sulphur Springs police say the crash happened Thursday night at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport, about 70 miles northeast of Dallas.

The Federal Aviation Administration says the single-engine O’Dell Aeromaster crashed and burned while taking off.

Police Chief Jay Sanders says authorities are trying to determine whether German’s plane had engine trouble.

German was alone on the aircraft.

A hospital spokeswoman said German was in critical condition Friday and provided no additional information on his injuries.