TITUSVILLE, Fla. — Aviation officials are continuing to investigate a plane crash that killed a pilot Monday morning in Titusville.
The crash happened shortly after takeoff from Space Coast Regional Airport.
Investigators say the pilot, 75-year-old Michael Hood, was the only person aboard the small plane.
According to investigators, Hood was flying a single-engine plane that left the airport around 10:16 a.m. Shortly after takeoff, they believe he experienced engine failure.
Investigators say Hood tried to turn back toward the airport but instead hit a power line and the plane caught fire.
The Titusville Fire Department confirmed there was only one person aboard the plane.
“There was only one soul on board at the time of the plane crash,” Titusville Fire Chief John Hustolis said. “The incident command confirmed with the tower that there was only one patient shortly thereafter.”
According to Tennessee state officials, Hood was a doctor in the Newport area.
Flight-tracking website FlightAware shows the plane believed to be involved in the crash arrived in Titusville around 12:23 p.m. Sunday, but it does not say exactly where it came from.
The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed the plane involved was a Mooney M20F, a small, single-engine plane.
The NTSB says investigators will examine several factors involved in the crash, including flight track data, air traffic control communications and maintenance records.
The investigation is ongoing.
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