Pilot of small aircraft dead after crashing into swamp in Crystal River
Google map of crash area.
Crystal River, Florida - The pilot and single occupant of a private airplane that crashed in Crystal River, Florida on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, is dead. The crash occurred at 5:35 pm in a swampy area near the trails area of Fort Island Gulf Beach. The identity of the deceased pilot was not immediately released.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office was immediately on scene to conduct an investigation, along with Citrus County Fire Rescue. The Federal Administration Agency (FAA) also arrived on scene to conduct an investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began its investigation on October 2, 2024.
The crashed airplane was a 1965 twin-engine Beechcraft B55 Baron, registration number 5868A. According to the FAA Registry, the registered owner of the aircraft is John Holloway of Blackburn, Missouri.
According to the Aviation Safety Network, the aircraft departed from the Venice Municipal Airport in Venice, Florida