FELLSMERE — A small plane experienced engine problems midflight, causing its pilot to make a forced landing in a private ranch Thursday, according to a preliminary report from the FAA. The pilot, a man, was flown to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce with serious injuries.
An update on the man’s condition was not available on Friday. The pilot was the only person aboard the privately-owned Aviat Pitts S-2B, which is an aerobatic biplane.
Fellsmere police, Indian River County deputies and fire rescue crews responded to reports of a downed plane about 10:35 a.m. Thursday in an undeveloped area of land east of Interstate 95 in the city of Fellsmere. The collision occurred in an empty cow pasture two miles north of the 90th Avenue and 26th Street intersection, said Keith Touchberry, police chief with the Fellsmere Police Department.
“The crash was reported by ranch employees who saw and heard the plane in the air prior to impact,” Touchberry said. Touchberry said the workers called 911 after hearing the loud boom.
First responders located the single-engine plane about 11:02 a.m. with the pilot still inside, Touchberry said. FAA representatives went to the scene and spoke with witnesses.
The investigation was turned over to the National Transporation Safety Board.
“The aircraft will be removed and transported to a salvage facility and examined at a later date,” National Transportation Safety Board officials said. “The NTSB is still gathering flight data and does not release occupant identity or their medical information.”