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Small plane crash lands in Orange County after pilot spots deer on runway, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The pilot of a small plane said he crash landed into a marshy area of Orange County after spotting a deer on the runway of the Orlando Apopka Airport and aborting his landing, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the Cessna 400 plane crashed about a mile west of the airport Sunday night. The pilot, identified only as a 61-year-old man, said he experienced mechanical difficulty as he tried to turn around after spotting the deer.

Deputies said the pilot was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition.

Rescue crews said they had to plow through dense brush to reach the man.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for the latest updates.

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