Deadly plane crash in St. Augustine

St. Johns Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue are on the scene of a general aviation aircraft crash at The St. Augustine Airport according to a breaking report from Sgt. Chuck Mulligan.

Historic City News has learned that the crash occurred near the marsh at the east side of the airport property (not at the runway).

Rescue and Law enforcement personnel have confirmed that two persons were reported to be on board the aircraft and there are two confirmed deaths resulting from the crash.

The victims have not been identified.

First Coast News is reporting that a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration told them that the plane was an experimental plane known as a velocity.

The FAA says the plane is registered to Gary Forhan from Orange Park.

The plane crashed on departure on runway 13 shortly before 3 p.m., according to reports from authorities.

Maria Canepa, co-owner at the Fly-By Café said “The plane was trying to take off and it was bouncing up and down and it appeared to take off a little bit and then it went nose first into the ground.”

Photo credit: Kerry McGuire Historic City Media news photographer