The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a small plane crash west of Everglades City on Sunday that overturned with two people on board.
The NTSB said it is investigating the crash of a 1981 Cessna A185F aircraft in the Ten Thousand Islands. According to the agency, the plane crashed under unknown circumstances, overturned in the water and remains partially submerged.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office said deputies, along with fire and EMS crews, responded to reports of a plane in the water near the Port of the Islands resort, between Marco Island and Everglades City. CCSO said there were no initial reports of a crash, only that a plane was in the water, with tail number N7574N.
The aircraft is registered to Black Dog Holding, Inc. in Pleasant Valley, New York.
The sheriff's office confirmed there were two people aboard the aircraft, a pilot and a passenger, but their conditions were not immediately known. The agency’s aviation unit searched from the air for anyone else who might have been in the water or nearby.
The video below shows the path of the Cessna A185F aircraft.
An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene on Monday morning. Once the plane is recovered from the water, the investigator will document the scene and examine the aircraft before it is moved to a secure facility for further evaluation.
NTSB investigations focus on three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.
As part of the process, investigators will gather flight track data, air traffic control communications, maintenance records, weather forecasts and actual conditions at the time of the crash, and the pilot’s license, ratings and recent flight experience.
The agency will also review the pilot’s activities in the 72 hours before the crash to determine whether any issues could have affected the ability to safely operate the flight. Witness statements, electronic devices and any available surveillance video, including doorbell camera footage, may also be collected.
Witnesses or anyone with surveillance video or other information related to the crash are asked to contact the NTSB at witness@ntsb.gov.
During the on-scene phase of the investigation, the NTSB emphasized that it does not determine or speculate about the cause of the crash.
A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. A final report, which will include a probable cause and any contributing factors, is expected within 12 to 24 months.
Gulf Coast News has reached out to the sheriff's office regarding the identity of the pilot and passenger and was directed to the NTSB. The NTSB does not release the identities of those injured or killed in crashes.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
