STUART, Fla. — One person died Friday afternoon when a vintage military plane crashed while practicing for the 2019 Audi Stuart Air Show, according to authorities.
Martin County Sheriff William Snyder said deputies first learned the Grumman OV-1 Mohawk crashed into asphalt at Whitman Field around 1:10 p.m. By the time deputies got to the scene, the plane was fully engulfed in flames.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office, MCFR on scene of plane crash at Whitham Field. No further information available at this time. pic.twitter.com/ddFLASnAb6
— MartinCountySheriff (@MartinFLSheriff) November 1, 2019
Fire officials were staged at Whitham Field at the time of the crash and quickly responded.
"There was nothing that could be done at that time," Martin County deputy fire Chief Kevin Herndon said Friday. "Just due to the impact of the aircraft … the amount of damage that occurred."
Snyder said authorities believe the pilot was the only person on board when the plane crashed. Snyder identified him only as an adult from South Florida, citing the need to notify next of kin. Officials told reporters Friday that the person who crashed had previously flown as part of the event.
No other injuries were reported.
Air show organizers confirmed in a tweet that the crash involved an aircraft involved in the show.
"All local and federal agencies are on site and investigating so that we may ensure the safety of our airshow before we continue," organizers said.
We’ve had an incident involving one of our aircraft. All local and federal agencies are on site and investigating so that we may ensure the safety of our airshow before we continue.
— Audi Stuart Air Show (@StuartAirShow) November 1, 2019
Authorities said Friday that the planned air show would be delayed as officials continue to investigate the incident.
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