February 13, Stuart, Fla. / Cessna Skylane

About 18:16 eastern time, a Cessna 182J struck trees on a golf course shortly after takeoff from Witham Field Airport. The pilot and his passenger were killed. The aircraft had performed one touch-and-go landing and remained in the traffic pattern. Witnesses reported hearing the engine miss-firing and making strange backfire or popping sounds. The pilot advised the controller he was landing on the golf course. The controller questioned if the engine was operable and the pilot reported an engine malfunction. The airplane struck a tree 35 feet agl and burned. Investigators were able to get the engine to operate to 2,600 rpm after the crash....

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Cessna 182J crashed shortly after takeoff from Witham Field Airport, resulting in the fatalities of the pilot and passenger.
  • Witnesses reported hearing the engine misfire and backfire, and the pilot advised air traffic control of an engine malfunction before the crash.
  • The aircraft struck a tree, caught fire, and burned; however, investigators were able to get the engine to operate to 2,600 rpm after the incident.
See a mistake? Contact us.

About 18:16 eastern time, a Cessna 182J struck trees on a golf course shortly after takeoff from Witham Field Airport. The pilot and his passenger were killed. The aircraft had performed one touch-and-go landing and remained in the traffic pattern. Witnesses reported hearing the engine miss-firing and making strange backfire or popping sounds. The pilot advised the controller he was landing on the golf course. The controller questioned if the engine was operable and the pilot reported an engine malfunction. The airplane struck a tree 35 feet agl and burned. Investigators were able to get the engine to operate to 2,600 rpm after the crash.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE