HIALEAH, Fla. -- A South Florida Marine pilot died Monday when the harrier jet he was flying crashed in North Carolina.

Capt. Alberto Noel Bencosme, 28, who was a native of the Dominican Republic, was the only person aboard the plane when it crashed near Cherry Point, N.C. Witnesses said the plane was on fire, leaving little chance to rescue Bencosme.

"We were just coming around to let the dogs out to go hunting again and we heard some weird noises. The next thing we saw was big old smoke up in the air," said witness Mark Seiler. "One guy said a plane had crashed, and I called 911 and came out to the gate to direct the crews."

The plane crashed about a mile from the Marine air station where Bencosme was based.

By all accounts, Bencosme was a dedicated member of the U.S. Marine Corps. He graduated from the aviation program at Miami-Dade Community College, where he received a scholarship. Before that, Bencosme was known as a hard-working student at American Senior High School in Hialeah, where he loved to run and train.

Just one month before the pilot was killed, he was promoted to the rank of captain.

Bencosme's family in Hialeah is making preparations for funeral services next week. He leaves behind a mother, a sister and two brothers.

The investigation into what caused the plane crash is ongoing.