NTSB issues preliminary report on plane-Jeep crash
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Federal investigators say the pilot of a small plane whose wing struck a Jeep, causing a fatal crash, had previously performed similar takeoffs.
The Feb. 1 crash on a private runway at Ayavalla Plantation killed the Jeep’s two occupants.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report, a dirt bike and the Jeep were both traveling down the runway before the pilot began his takeoff. Officials say the cyclist and the driver knew the plane was taking off.
The pilot told investigators that he had performed similar takeoffs “many times” and would fly low over the vehicle and the bicycle.
The report says there were no problems with the plane or flight controls before the crash.
Investigators say the Jeep was traveling about 35 mph to 40 mph, and the plane was flying about 75 mph.