An American Airlines pilot died this morning when his low-flying, single-engine plane crashed in a rock quarry in Midlothian.

He was identified as James John Marshall, 58, of Grapevine.

Emergency responders were called to the quarry, which is owned by a nearby TXI cement plant, around 9:15 a.m., said Senior Cpl. Charlie J. Morgan of the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Mr. Marshall apparently died on impact and his plane was destroyed, leaving debris scattered over a quarter-mile, Cpl. Morgan said. 

It was not clear why the man was flying so low, or where he was going, the corporal said.  

The FAA is investigating. 

It was the second plane crash in the area in as many days. Richard H. Johnson, 85, of Dallas died Wednesday afternoon when his glider crashed into a wooded area near Midlothian.

Staff writer Dan X. McGraw contributed to this report.