Small plane crash-landed, overturned in field at Smith Farms near the former town of Hastings

Pilot walked away with minor injuries, St. Johns County deputies say

HASTINGS, Fla. – A small plane crash-landed then overturned in a field, according to crews with the St. Johns County Fire Rescue team.

The pilot of the plane lost control and crashed-landed in a field at Smith Farms off County Road 13 South near the former town of Hastings, according to officials.

Recommended Videos



Florida Highway Patrol Sergeant L. Foureau said the pilot, Shrey Chopra, 19, from Daytona Beach, was flying back to Ormond Beach after stopping at the Palatka Airport when the small plane had mechanical failure.

Chopra made an emergency landing in a farm field around 11:30 am Saturday and was able to walk away without injuries, according to the FHP.

Troopers said the pilot, who is a student at Sunrise Aviation, was flying a 1981 Cessna 152 at the time of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate what went wrong.

 

St. Johns County sheriff's deputies said they made initial contact with the pilot and walked him to rescue units in case he needed treatment. 


About the Authors

Zachery “Zach” Lashway anchors KPRC 2+ Now. He began at KPRC 2 as a reporter in October 2021.

Recommended Videos