SEBASTIAN — The pilot of a plane that crashed near the Sebastian Municipal Airport Friday morning has been identified as 73-year-old Andrew Liptak of North Carolina.
Sebastian Police Department spokesman Ofc. Steve Marcinik said Liptak had recently purchased an experimental Velocity aircraft and was just taking off from the airport when he crashed.
Ofc. Marcinik said an “unusual occurrence” caused the plane to veer left and crash. He said the plane was at a maximum height of 100 feet when it lost altitude.
Though there have been other media reports that a door on the plane opened, Ofc. Marcinik said it is possible but has not been confirmed.
Liptak was airlifted to Holmes Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained in the crash. He was the only person on board the plane.
Posted 9:17 a.m. Feb. 13
SEBASTIAN — A pilot has crashed his plane near the Sebastian Airport Friday morning, according to authorities. The pilot was found conscious and alert, complaining of hip and leg pain.
The patient is being flown to a trauma center, according to Indian River County Fire Rescue.
A 73-year-old pilot was involved in a crash near the runway of the Sebastian Airport, according to the Indian River County Fire Rescue. The call was made by a golfer near the sixth hole of the Sebastian Municipal Golf Course.
It occurred on the southwest corner of the airport, near the runway, according to authorities.
This article will be updated with more information.
