A man has died following a small-engine plane crash in Homosassa on Friday, with the incident prompting the closure of a key intersection, officials reported. According to WFLA, the crash occurred near Highway 19 and Longfellow St., leading to the shutdown of northbound and southbound traffic along West White Dogwood Drive adjacent to US-98.
WTSP confirmed the Florida Highway Patrol was on scene with Citrus County fire crews after the crash took place near the intersection at approximately 8:00 p.m., and as late as 10:30 p.m., southbound lanes remained blocked as investigation and response activities continued. The plane was identified as a Vans RV-12IS; however, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are yet to determine what precipitated the tragic event.
The victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene by authorities, and his identity has not been publicly disclosed pending notification of next of kin. The crash has resulted in significant traffic disruptions, with local law enforcement urging motorists to find alternative routes to avoid the impacted area.
The FOX13 added that in addition to the FHP, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies were also dispatched to the area where the single-engine aircraft went down, as they worked to redirect the flow of vehicles and manage the scene the FAA and the NTSB have commenced their investigations into the crash, looking to unravel the circumstances that led to the incident which tragically cut a life short.
