Yulee man dies in fatal Yulee plane crash

Yulee man dies in fatal Yulee plane crash

Fatal Yulee plane crash death of Yulee man, 56 – Obituary

A 56-year-old man from Yulee lost his life Saturday morning when the small aircraft he was piloting crashed near the Yulee Airport, Florida Highway Patrol reported.

According to FHP, the man was the sole occupant of the Piper single-engine plane, which had taken off from Clearwater Air Park and was en route to Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport. The crash occurred at approximately 9:40 a.m. in a wooded area off Blackrock Road, just minutes after it was last seen flying nearby.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the crash, which remains undetermined at this time. The aircraft went down close to residential homes, prompting concern from neighbors.

Frank Lawler, a nearby resident, said the sound of the plane stood out from the usual air traffic overhead. “It didn’t sound normal—it was this high-revving noise,” he said. Moments later, he witnessed thick black smoke rising from the woods near his home, just four houses away from the crash site.

The impact sparked a fire that reached a neighbor’s fence. Lawler remarked that if the crash had occurred slightly closer, his own home might have been struck.

The NTSB stated that its investigator is collecting evidence, including scene documentation, aircraft inspection, weather data, radar records, and air traffic control communications. They are also seeking eyewitnesses and any available video of the incident.

Edith Lawler, another resident, reflected on the tragedy, saying her son from Connecticut called the incident “way too close for comfort.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage of the crash to contact Florida Highway Patrol.