Harrowing footage shared online shows the moment survivors ran from their burning aircraft after it slammed onto a Florida interstate and left two individuals dead.
As previously reported, a plane carrying five people from Ohio State University's airport crashed into a vehicle on the southbound lanes of Interstate 75, near mile marker 107 in Collier County, on Friday afternoon (February 9), at approximately 3:15PM.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the aircraft - identified as a Bombardier Challenger 600 jet - departed from Columbus, Ohio, and was en route to the Naples Airport before scheduled departure to Fort Lauderdale. It crashed a little over four miles short of the airport.
The devastating incident resulted in a fiery debris field and plumes of black smoke that billowed into the air, according to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol.
Robin King, Director of Communication with The Naples Airport Authority, disclosed that communication with the aircraft was lost just before the crash, indicating a possible engine failure.
A final distress call from the pilot was obtained by Fox News and it reveals the pilot telling air traffic control that he had "lost both engines" and that the jet wasn’t going to make it to the airport moments before it slammed into the roadway.
"Okay, Challenger, Hop-A-Jet 823, lost both engines, emergency. I'm making an emergency landing," the pilot calmly said. After an airport controller told the pilot that a runway was free to land, the pilot tragically informed them: "We're clear to land but we're not gonna make the runway. We've lost both engines."
Despite efforts to reopen the interstate, southbound lanes remained closed into the night as Florida Highway Patrol troopers conducted investigations, advising drivers to seek alternate routes.
A terrifying video shared with Local 10 News shows the moment three survivors sprinted out of the wreckage, which was covered in bright orange flames and black smoke.
"Is there anybody else in there?" a good samaritan named Kyle Cavaliere can be heard shouting at the survivors. "Yes! Our pilots! Our pilots!" a woman can be heard responding.
When asked if the pilots were alive, the frantic woman replied: "I don’t know. I don’t know much else."
Authorities confirmed that Pilot Edward Daniel Murphy, 50, of Oakland Park, Florida, and second in command, Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65, of Pompano Beach, Florida, were killed in the crash.
According to The New York Post, crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, - the three survivors seen running in the video - were taken to a local hospital for their injuries. Their conditions are unknown.
Christopher Hofmann, the son of co-pilot Ian, said in a heartbreaking statement that the family was "in shock and devastated," adding: "We know our father died a hero doing his best to save everyone he could on the plane. We ask for prayers during this difficult time," per NBC News.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
Our thoughts are with the families of both victims.
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