Local

Palm Coast residents want home struck by plane torn down

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — Neighbors said a home that was hit by a plane months ago in the city of Palm Coast continues to bring back bad memories, and they want the homeowner to do something about it.

The small plane crashed into the house on Utica Path in January, killing three aboard.

Channel 9's Blaine Tolison went to the home Thursday and found it looks almost the same as it did right after the deadly crash.

"It just keeps on bringing back a horrible memory of where people lost their lives," said neighbor Joe McBride.

Pilot Michael Anders was trying to make an emergency landing at the nearby Flagler County Airport when he clipped a tree and crashed.

"And we have to keep being reminded of this every day. It's not fair. It's not right," said McBride.

Tolison said the home still has a smoky smell from the fire. There's police tape at the front door, debris and even biohazardous waste sitting in the front lawn.

According to the city, homeowner Susan Crockett was issued a letter last month to inquire what she intends to do with the home. The city hasn't received a response, but residents think the city should take charge.

"It keeps reminding us of all the poor people that died in the fire, and they don't seem to be doing anything about it. They just kind of close their eyes," said neighbor Robert Ferrigno.

"Somebody should be doing something, somebody should step up and say, 'Hey, let's get that house torn down,'" said McBride.

But the city can't decide to tear it down until a code enforcement hearing in July. According to city officials, Crocket has until then to either repair the home or have it demolished.