A federal agency is investigating an incident at a Valley aviation school that injured two students, one of them seriously.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to 21 News that it is looking into Wednesday’s accident at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics at the Youngstown Warren Regional Airport.

Police say 20-year-old Zachary Norris was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown after he suffered a head injury from a propeller.

According to an email to 21 News from Elizabeth Isham Cory with FAA Public Affairs,  aviation schools must have an active certification from the FAA in order to operate.

Cory says schools must comply with the FAA regulations, and the FAA oversees the curriculum.

The investigation will determine whether the school was in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

21 News was told Wednesday that Norris and 28-year-old Cody Keller, of New Castle, were working on an aircraft motor that was sitting on a block.

Vienna Township police say the propeller did not have a safety wire connected to it that would stop the engine from starting.

According to officials, the propeller blade struck Norris in the head, causing a "severe laceration." Keller suffered broken bones.

Norris underwent surgery Wednesday. At last report, he was in critical condition.

The local PIA campus reopened on Friday after being closed Wednesday and Thursday.