Small plane crashes in Volusia County near Ponce Inlet; pilot uninjured

Pilot uninjured after small plane crash near Ponce Inlet

A small plane made an emergency landing in the ocean near Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet on Monday afternoon, according to officials.

PONCE INLET, Fla. - A small plane crashed Monday afternoon near Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet, leaving the pilot — the only person on board — uninjured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

What we know:

Authorities in Volusia County are investigating after a small plane crashed near Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet on Monday afternoon, leaving the pilot — the only person on board — uninjured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The Piper PA-12, registered as N2504M to Aerial Messages Leasing Co. of Longwood, Florida, came down in shallow water, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Based on flight data posted on the website FlightAware, the aircraft departed Massey Ranch Airpark at 12:55 p.m. and crashed in the Halifax River around 1 p.m. 

The FWC said it responded to the scene alongside partner agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, which reported that the pilot was able to escape the aircraft without assistance. The plane came to rest upside down in waist-deep water.

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Officials said the pilot had reported engine trouble before going down. The landing occurred in a popular boating and fishing area known for its waterfront restaurants, bars and museums. Authorities said the pilot managed to avoid the busy waterway and is expected to be OK. 

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the pilot’s identity or the aircraft’s make and model. It is unclear where the plane took off from or its intended destination. Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash or how long the aircraft was experiencing trouble before landing in the water.

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What's next:

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the FAA, with the FWC assisting in the probe.

Small plane crashes near Ponce Inlet

A small plane crashed Monday afternoon near Disappearing Island in Ponce Inlet, leaving the pilot — the only person on board — uninjured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.