Pilot Walks Away from Sun 'n Fun Crash

Photo: Polk County Sheriff’s Office

A new Mooney Acclaim Type S crashed yesterday afternoon outside a Pipkin Creek Road home in Lakeland, Florida, adjacent to the Lakeland Linder Airport where the Sun 'n Fun airshow is underway.

The airplane was engulfed in flames following the crash and is a total loss. However, multiple media reports indicate that the pilot was able to get himself out of the airplane and thankfully walked away with only minor injuries. Nobody on the ground was hurt.

According to data from FlightAware, the flight originated at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida, and lasted 46 minutes. While it is too soon to know the cause of the crash, news stories indicate that the pilot reported a mechanical failure and loss of power while approaching Lakeland.

The NTSB is investigating.

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Accidents Aircraft Aviation News Pilot Proficiency Sun 'n Fun 2015

Pia BergqvistAuthor

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.