Pilot killed in single-engine crash near in Nassau County on Monday

Hilliard, FL — According to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), a single-engine Van’s RV-8 plane crashed in the woods near Hilliard in Nassau County off Trinity Lane around 2:30 p.m. Monday.

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office tells Action News Jax only the pilot was aboard, and did not survive.

The FAA says it will be investigating, along with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The NTSB tweeted about the incident Monday afternoon at 4:37 p.m.

“NTSB is investigating the September 21, 2020 crash in Hilliard, FL, involving an RV-8 aircraft,” said the NTSB’s tweet. “The NTSB is not traveling to the scene of the crash at this time.”

The Florida Highway Patrol says it believes the plane came from the Palm Coast, FL area. At last word, FHP was working to verify the pilot’s identity, and notify his next of kin.

The FAA said it would release the aircraft’s tail number once verified by investigators at the scene, and the NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and all updates.

Kelli Slayton tells Action News Jax she and her parents live in separate properties near the scene of the crash.

Slayton says she heard from a neighbor, the pilot appeared to be trying to land the plane on her parents' property.

“We heard he was trying to land it in my parents' field, and he just didn’t make it,” said Slayton.

Action News Jax spoke to the owner of the property where the plane crashed, who asked not to be identified.

“I feel sorry for them. When I first heard about it, I was praying that nobody had gotten seriously hurt,” said the property owner.

FAA Statement:

A single-engine Van’s RV-8 crashed in the woods near Hilliard, Fla., around 2:30 p.m. local time today. Only the pilot was aboard. Please contact local officials for information on the pilot’s name and medical condition. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. Neither agency identifies people involved in aircraft accidents. The FAA will release the aircraft tail number once investigators verify it at the scene. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and all updates.

Cox Media Group