OCALA, FL - On June 8, 2024, Ocala Fire Rescue responded to a plane crash at the Ocala International Airport at 7:51 p.m. The initial dispatch included Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), Engine 4, Squad 7, Battalion Chief 11, and a Safety Officer, following a distress call from a pilot who reported his aircraft had crashed. 

Upon arrival at 1770 SW 60th Ave., crews discovered an experimental aircraft with its tail elevated, nestled against a tree line just outside the airport's fence line. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was alert but unable to exit the plane due to its precarious position and the surrounding trees. 

Given the challenging offroad location, first responders utilized a smaller vehicle to reach and extricate the pilot. Once the pilot was assessed and stabilized by emergency personnel, he was carefully helped out of the wreckage and escorted to a waiting ambulance for transport to a medical facility. 

Engine 6 and Rescue 6 were initially added to the response but were cancelled prior to arrival. Marion County Fire Rescue, Ocala International Airport Personnel, and the Ocala Police Department also responded. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the State Warning Point were notified.