Two Killed in Small Plane Crash Near U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County

Two people were killed Thursday after a small plane crashed near U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County and caught fire, according to Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Emergency crews responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting an aircraft down. When firefighters arrived, they found the plane fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters extinguished the fire in approximately 10 minutes.

Authorities later confirmed that both people aboard the aircraft died.

What Happened in the Hillsborough County Plane Crash?

According to authorities, the aircraft had taken off from Tampa Executive Airport before crashing near U.S. 301.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to the area following multiple reports of an aircraft down.

When crews arrived, the small plane was on fire. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 10 minutes.

Both occupants of the aircraft were pronounced dead.

The scene was then turned over to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as federal aviation investigators responded.

NTSB and FAA Investigating the Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, with the Federal Aviation Administration also responding to the scene.

In fatal aviation accidents, investigators may examine several possible factors, including the aircraft’s mechanical condition, maintenance history, weather, pilot actions, air traffic communications and the circumstances surrounding takeoff and the final moments of the flight.

At this stage, authorities have not released information explaining what caused the plane to go down.

The identities of the two people killed were also not immediately released in the initial reports.

Why Aviation Crash Investigations Can Take Time

Unlike many roadway crashes, determining the cause of an aviation accident can require an extensive technical investigation.

The NTSB may review evidence such as aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, flight history, radar data, communications with air traffic control, weather conditions and available electronic data.

Investigators may also examine the aircraft’s engine, flight controls and other components for evidence of failure.

Because the plane caught fire, documenting and preserving the wreckage could be especially important.

A preliminary report may provide basic factual information about the crash, but a final determination of probable cause can take considerably longer.

Could Mechanical Failure Be Involved?

Mechanical problems are one of several possibilities investigators may consider after a plane crash, but there is currently no evidence establishing that a defect or equipment failure caused this accident.

If investigators eventually identify a defective aircraft component or negligent maintenance as a contributing factor, potential liability questions could extend beyond the pilot.

Depending on the evidence, an aircraft manufacturer, component manufacturer, maintenance provider or other entity could potentially become relevant to a civil investigation.

Any such claim would require evidence establishing both a defect or negligent act and a causal connection to the crash.

Pilot Error or Operational Factors May Also Be Examined

Investigators may also examine whether pilot decision-making or flight operations played a role.

Potential issues can include aircraft speed and altitude, takeoff procedures, emergency responses, weather conditions and whether the pilot experienced a sudden medical or mechanical emergency.

However, it would be premature to attribute the crash to pilot error without findings from the NTSB or other supporting evidence.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Plane Crash

When a fatal aviation accident is caused by negligence, a defective product or another wrongful act, surviving family members may potentially have legal rights.

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Fla. Stat. §§ 768.16 through 768.26, may apply when a death is caused by another person or entity’s negligence or wrongful conduct.

A wrongful death action is generally brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate for the benefit of eligible survivors and the estate.

Depending on the circumstances, damages may potentially include funeral expenses, lost support and services, and certain losses suffered by qualifying survivors.

Whether any wrongful death claim exists in this case will depend heavily on what the federal investigation reveals about the cause of the crash.

Multiple Parties Can Potentially Be Investigated After an Aviation Accident

Aviation cases can be more complex than ordinary motor vehicle cases because several different parties may have responsibilities related to an aircraft.

Depending on the circumstances, investigators and attorneys may examine the conduct of:

• The pilot or aircraft operator
• The aircraft owner
• Maintenance and repair providers
• Aircraft or component manufacturers
• Flight schools or employers, when applicable
• Other entities involved in the aircraft’s operation or maintenance

There is currently no evidence establishing negligence by any particular person or organization in this crash.

Evidence Preservation Can Be Critical After a Plane Crash

Potential evidence in an aviation accident may include aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, pilot records, radar information, air traffic control communications, weather information, flight planning records, photographs, surveillance footage and witness statements.

Preserving that evidence can be especially important when the crash results in a post-impact fire.

The NTSB will typically take the lead in analyzing the wreckage and determining the probable cause of the accident.

Investigation Continues Into Fatal Hillsborough County Plane Crash

The NTSB, FAA and local authorities continue to investigate the crash near U.S. 301 in Hillsborough County.

Authorities said the small plane had departed from Tampa Executive Airport before going down and catching fire. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue extinguished the blaze, but both people aboard the aircraft died.

Officials had not yet released the identities of the victims or the cause of the crash.

We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of the two people who died in this tragic accident.