Edward Daniel Murphy : Ohio plane crash: ‘We’ve lost engines’ says pilot before Florida interstate tragedy.

By Trend News Line 2024-02-12 15:08:00.

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — A tragic plane crash on a Florida highway has claimed the lives of two individuals, identified as pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, aged 50, and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, aged 65. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed their deaths. The incident occurred when a private jet, carrying a total of five people, attempted an emergency landing on Interstate 75 in Naples. Sadly, the aircraft collided with a vehicle, dragging it along with its wing before crashing into a wall. The resulting explosion engulfed the scene in flames and black smoke, with two fatalities reported.

Federal authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, which took place near Naples, just north of the intersection where the interstate heads east towards Fort Lauderdale, commonly known as Alligator Alley. The aircraft had departed from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, with its intended destination being Naples. The pilot had contacted the tower requesting an emergency landing but informed the air traffic controller that they were unable to reach the runway due to the loss of both engines.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported the harrowing moments leading up to the crash. Brianna Walker, who narrowly avoided being involved in the accident, recounted how the plane’s wing collided with a car in front of her before crashing into the wall. She expressed her shock, stating, “It’s seconds that separated us from the car in front of us. The wing pulverized this one car.” Walker and her friend had spotted the plane overhead just moments before impact, allowing them to pull over safely.

The aircraft involved in the crash was operated by Hop-a-Jet Worldwide Charter, a company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The plane was scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale later that afternoon. Hop-a-Jet released a statement expressing their concern for the well-being of the passengers, crew members, and their families. The company has dispatched a team to the crash site to gather further information.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with federal authorities expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days. As the community mourns the loss of the two pilots, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and their families, as well as determining the factors that led to this devastating incident..

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