Plane Crash at Ocala International Airport: Pilot Rescued
A plane crash at Ocala International Airport prompted a faat response from Ocala Fire Rescue on the evening of Saturday, June 8.
At 7:51 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched following a distress call from a pilot whose experimental aircraft had gone down.
The initial dispatch included Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Engine 4, Squad 7, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer. Upon arrival at 1770 SW 60th Ave., responders found the aircraft with its tail elevated, wedged against a tree line just outside the airport’s fence.
The pilot, the sole occupant, was alert but trapped due to the precarious position and surrounding trees. Using a smaller vehicle to navigate the challenging terrain, first responders extricated the pilot, who was then assessed, stabilized, and transported to a medical facility by ambulance.
Engine 6 and Rescue 6 were also dispatched but were cancelled before arrival. The response involved coordination with Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala International Airport personnel, and the Ocala Police Department. Notifications were made to the Federal Aviation Administration and the State Warning Point.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
