LAS VEGAS -- Civil Air Patrol officials confirm that two of their own were killed in a plane crash into Mount Potosi, just outside of Las Vegas.

Col. Edwin W. Lewis Jr., director of operations for CAP's Pacific Region, and Col. Dion E. DeCamp, commander of CAP's Nevada Wing, died Thursday evening when their CAP plane crashed into the mountain.

Lewis had traveled to Nellis Air Force Base to drop off a CAP airplane to be used as an airshow display. He and DeCamp were apparently en route to Rosamond, Calif., Lewis' hometown, when the crash occurred.

"The CAP family is deeply saddened by this tremendous loss," said Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP interim national commander. "There were no finer members than Col. DeCamp and Col. Lewis. Their illustrious volunteer service, which collectively spanned more than seven decades, touched innumerable lives and now, in sorrow, consoles those left behind as a testament to their dedication and commitment to the citizens of their respective communities."

The cause of Thursday evening's crash is unknown at this time. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the incident.