Pilot dies in small plane crash in Winter Haven

Reporter: Morgan Rynor
Published:
Photo via WINK News.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the cause of a fatal plane crash.

Pilot James Wagner died after a small plane crashed into the roof of a home in Winter Haven Saturday.

A student pilot traveling in the plane walked away from the crash.

A 17-year-old girl was pinned down by the plane when it crashed through her bedroom. She was taken to the hospital to treat minor injuries.

Sheriff Grady Judd said the crash could have been deadlier despite the tragic death of the pilot.

“So as tragic as this was for Mr. Wagner, and it was tragic, it was a blessing today that we didn’t have an entire family wiped out,” Grady said. “And the 17-year-old who was in the bedroom, we still can’t believe it.”

The crash occurred around 1 p.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Winter Haven Regional Airport is located just north of the neighborhood where the crash happened.

According to the sheriff’s office, the pilot and student were supposed to be working on simulated engine failure, but it is not clear yet if it was an exercise gone wrong.

It is known the plane took off and lost power shortly after.

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