Two people have died after a small plane crashed and burst into flames in a wooded area.
The aircraft went down at around 8:17 am yesterday (3 September).
Multiple calls were made to the emergency services reporting a downed aircraft, according to authorities.
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Deputies arrived minutes later and found the plane on fire in the woods.
Firefighters quickly tackled the blaze and extinguished it in less than 10 minutes.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft was a Lancair Evolution.
The only two people aboard were killed.
The incident happened near US Highway 301 and Maislin Drive in Hillsborough County, Florida.
They were identified as pilot David Siambanes, 59, and passenger Dawn Stone, 53. Their next of kin have been notified.
Both victims worked in the medical field, as reported by Need To Know.
Siambanes was a spine surgeon with the Bonati Spine Institute.
The institute said: “Our hearts are heavy this evening as we learned about the passing of Dr David Siambanes, who died in a plane crash this morning in Tampa.”
It described him as a “respected spine surgeon” who spent his career caring for children with severe cases of cerebral palsy and scoliosis.
“He helped a tremendous number of kids and families over the years,” it added.
Stone was an employee of AdventHealth, which said it was “heartbroken” by her death.
“Dawn dedicated herself to caring for others, and her loss is deeply felt by the colleagues and care teams who had the privilege of working alongside her,” the healthcare provider said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dawn’s family, loved ones and colleagues as we mourn her loss.”
The plane had taken off from nearby Tampa Executive Airport, around half a mile from the crash site.
Firefighters said the aircraft was not deeply embedded in the wooded area, allowing emergency crews to reach it quickly.
Rob Herrin of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said: “Our engines were able to quickly and efficiently put the fire out without having to navigate any obstacles or with the plane being deep in the woods.”
Chief Deputy Joseph Maurer said: “It’s a tragic day for the families of the two individuals involved in this plane crash.”
Sheriff Chad Chronister added: “This is a tragic loss, and our hearts go out to the loved ones of both victims.”
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
The cause has not yet been released.
The NTSB is expected to issue a preliminary report within 30 days of the crash, while its final report could take considerably longer.
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