Plane With 3 People on Board Crashes Into Florida Peanut Field — No Survivors Found

Tragedy struck in Levy County on Sunday when a small plane carrying three people crashed into a peanut field near Williston. According to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), no survivors were found at the scene.

Authorities say the aircraft was en route from Kentucky and had filed a flight plan to refuel in Williston before continuing home. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A witness told FOX 13 News that the plane exploded upon impact, sending flames and debris across the field. “It came down fast and hit the ground hard — the fire was instant,” the witness said. Another aircraft in the area reportedly attempted to land but circled above until first responders arrived.

As of Sunday evening, officials have not released the names of the pilot or passengers. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the crash to determine what caused the tragic incident.

Aviation Crash Investigations in Florida

In aviation accidents, the NTSB leads the federal investigation to identify mechanical failures, maintenance issues, or pilot error. Investigators analyze:

• Flight path and communication records
• Air traffic control data
• Weather conditions at the time of the crash
• Maintenance logs and aircraft inspection history
• Wreckage patterns and black box recordings (if available)

Because these investigations can take months, families are often left without clear answers in the early days following a crash.

Legal Options for the Families of Victims

When a fatal plane crash occurs, families may have the right to pursue a wrongful death or negligence claim — depending on what caused the crash. Liability may fall on multiple parties, including:

• The pilot or operator, if human error or negligence is found.
• The aircraft owner, if maintenance or oversight contributed to the crash.
• The manufacturer, if a mechanical defect or design flaw played a role.
• A maintenance company or parts supplier, if improper repairs or defective components are identified.
• An airport or fuel provider, if environmental hazards, refueling errors, or safety protocol violations are discovered.

Potential compensation in aviation wrongful death cases can include:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Loss of income or future financial support from the deceased
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering endured by the victim before the crash

Because aviation claims often involve complex federal and state laws, families should consult with attorneys experienced in aviation accident litigation. Lawyers can work alongside aviation experts, engineers, and accident reconstructionists to identify the cause of the crash and hold responsible parties accountable.

The loss of life in this Williston crash marks another heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved in private aviation. As the NTSB continues its investigation, families of the victims deserve clear answers, justice, and support in navigating both the emotional and legal aftermath of this tragedy.

Anyone with information about the flight or who witnessed the crash is urged to contact the Levy County Sheriff’s Office or the NTSB.