PALM BAY, Fla. A 17-year-old pilot made an emergency landing on Babcock Street Monday night after losing power to his aircraft, ultimately crashing into a ditch near the intersection of Grant Road and Babcock Street SE. Despite the impact, the teen walked away without visible injuries.
Brevard County Fire Rescue responded just after 7 p.m. after receiving reports that a small plane had gone down in the Grant Valkaria area. According to officials, the pilot reported the aircraft had run out of fuel shortly before the crash. He was the only person on board.
The plane, identified as a 1979 Cessna Skyhawk, was returning to Melbourne Orlando International Airport after a flight to Okeechobee County Airport. ADS-B flight data shows the pilot lined up for an emergency landing on Babcock Street just south of Grant Road. In an effort to avoid colliding with another vehicle, he veered off the road and the plane struck a ditch on the east side of Babcock Street at an estimated speed of about 60 knots.
Brevard County Fire Rescue confirmed the pilot refused treatment and transport. No one on the ground was injured.
The Space Coast Rocket was on the scene providing live coverage moments after the crash. The full livestream is embedded below for viewers who want to see the immediate aftermath and emergency response.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office secured the scene and closed Babcock Street in both directions between Grant Street and Cogan while the investigation and recovery operations were underway.
FAA and NTSB officials will review the incident to determine whether mechanical failure, fuel exhaustion, or other factors contributed to the loss of power.
This is a developing story, and updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
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