Photo by: wfla
A pilot died after a plane crashed at a Lakeland airport Tuesday morning, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration said a single-engine airplane crashed at the South Lakeland Airport at about 10:40 a.m.
Sheriff Grady Judd said pilot Arthur Canning, 76, of Lakeland was beginning to take off at the airstrip when the engine began to sputter.
“When the engine sputtered, he apparently stalled and crashed directly into the ground, and he immediately died as a result of horrific traumatic injuries from the crash,” Judd said.
“He was up and into the ground in seconds,” he later added.
According to sheriff, the plane was an experimental amateur build.
“That’s when you build it yourself so you’re now the manufacturer even though it came in a kit but you’re the manufacturer and you have to put together at least 51% of it,” said Wayne Beyer.
Beyer lives alongside the airstrip and witnessed the crash.
“I’ve seen [crashes] at air races and stuff but not like that,” he said.
Before the crash, Canning had only flown it once last Saturday, but he was said to be an experienced pilot who spent 10 years flying ultra-light planes.
“It’s a horrible tragedy and certainly not something any of us ever want to witness,” Judd said.
At this time, it is not known what caused the engine failure. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.
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Source: wfla
