Small Plane Down in the Gulf

7/2 Stunt Plane Crash in Cyrstal Beach Area

Witnessed by local boaters and confirmed by SWFD. Apparantly the plane hit hard and no sign of survivor(s)....So sad. Max, I hope that wasn't you.

You could see the smoke from Ed Walline just about 30 minutes ago...but now you can't.

In the water, or on land?

Report is that it was a stunt plane.

In the water, or on land?

sorry...in the water.

Reports say that it was a WW2 aircraft rather than a stunt plane. Hopefully, it's not one of the T-6's that flies out of Destin. They've already lost one in a very similar fashion. This would make two.

Pictures looked bad. There was a significant fire on the water.

fingers crossed...

Plane crashes into Gulf of Mexico | mexico, plane, gulf - Top Story - TheDestinLog.com

World War II-era plane crashes into Gulf of Mexico (PHOTOS)


July 02, 2010 12:57 PM

Destin Log
Emergency officials are responding to a report of a plane crashing into the Gulf of Mexico.
Initial reports indicate two people were on the World War II-era plane when it crashed about 12:30 p.m., according to U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer John Scott.
Scanner traffic indicated that a "yellow-colored" plane was doing aerial stunts above the Gulf Friday before exploding and crashing into the water.
The plane reportedly crashed into the water, caught fire and then sunk about 1,200 feet off the beach behind Pompano Joe?s at 2237 Scenic Gulf Drive in Destin, Scott said.
They have set up a search perimeter and officials from several agencies including the Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife are at the scene searching for the plane.
Further information wasn?t immediately available.
A Destin Log photographer and reporter are on the scene.
Check back for more details.
This is the second World War II-era plane crash this year in the Destin area.

I hope he was able to eject - maybe we will hear that was the case.

I wonder if that is one of the planes from the groups that lost a plane earlier this spring.

A friend of a friend knew the occupants of the plane, and apparently witnessed it go down. If I understand correctly, one of the flyers had a daughter who is supposed to get married tomorrow. (Know that this is hearsay, but from a very reliable source). This is truly a tragic accident, and I'm praying for all involved.

Unfortunately it looks as though it was one of the regular flyers around here... I have a name but I'm not sure if it's appropriate to post?

My thoughts are with you both. Rest in peace.

I wouldn't post names until it's released to the media by the officials. Public forum, and all that (just my opinion).

Probably best to let the authorities release the name. How awful would it be for friends or family to read it here. I had a deputy friend that heard his father's name dispatched as DOA one time by the agency he was en route to assist on the call. He was very shaken by the time he arrived. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Exactly why I didn't post the info- you can find out by reading comments on NWFdailynews.com if you're interested.

This is such a heart breaker. I got such a thrill watching these planes fly when I lived in Destin. Will keep their family in my prayers.

They have released the name of the pilot, but I'm not going to post it here, it's over on the NWFD site.