2 people, 1 dog survive small plane crash into Indian River in Melbourne Beach, officials say | FOX 51 Gainesville
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2 people, 1 dog survive small plane crash into Indian River in Melbourne Beach, officials say

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Published  June 4, 2025 2:34pm EDT
Melbourne
FOX 35 Orlando
2 people, 1 dog survive small plane crash in Indian River Lagoon

2 people, 1 dog survive small plane crash in Indian River Lagoon

Two people and a dog walked away uninjured after a small plane crashed into the Indian River near Melbourne Beach on Wednesday afternoon, according to state wildlife officials.

The Brief

    • Authorities are currently investigating after a small plane crashed into the Indian River on Wednesday afternoon in Melbourne.
    • Deputies say there were two people and a dog involved in the crash, and no one died.
    • Multiple agencies are responding to the crash, and the FAA is investigating.

MELBOURNE, Fla. - Authorities are currently investigating after a small plane crashed into the Indian River on Wednesday afternoon in Melbourne Beach.

What happened?

What we know:

Officials with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said a small plane crashed into the Indian River near Melbourne Beach just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Two people and a dog were on board and all three escaped without injury. 

The wreckage came down about 400 yards from the riverbank, with the tail section visibly protruding from the water. 

 A small private plane crashed in the Indian River on Wednesday afternoon off River Villa Way.

Responders from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office arrived shortly after the crash.

A small private plane crashed in the Indian River on Wednesday afternoon off River Villa Way. [Credit: FWC]

Photos shared with the public showed the two survivors posing with first responders, one flashing a peace sign, both appearing in good spirits despite the ordeal.

A small private plane crashed in the Indian River on Wednesday afternoon off River Villa Way. [Credit: FWC]

What we don't know:

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. While residents reported light rain at the time, it's unclear whether weather conditions contributed to the incident. 

Multiple agencies are responding to the crash, and the FAA is investigating.

What they're saying:

Small aircraft accidents over Florida are not uncommon. This crash marks another instance where a quick response — this time from a kayaking good Samaritan — proved critical.

"That’s a huge blessing," said local resident Paula Myers. "We’re just surprised that they made it out, because that water is extremely deep in areas and very volatile with all the debris and so forth in the river."

What's next:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by officials with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in emails on June 4, 2025.

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