MARATHON, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Authorities say three people have been airlifted to a Miami trauma center after their small plane crashed in the Florida Keys.
A Monroe County Sheriff's Office news release says the single-engine Piper PA-32R crashed Thursday in a wooded area near the Florida Keys Marathon Airport. Officials say the plane had four occupants, but the fourth person sustained only minor injuries.
The plane was reported to have caught fire, and flames were put out quickly. Officials say the airport was closed to air traffic.
The pilot has been identified as Roch Aoust, 65, of Panama City Beach. The passengers have been identified as Danny A. Gilileo, 49, and Derrick H. Kelley, 53, both of Auburndale, and Tony R. Lewis, 60, of Lakeland. Aoust, Kelley and Gilileo were hospitalized, while Lewis was treated at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration records show the plane was owned by a central Florida company called All Pro Auto Parts.
Authorities didn't immediately say whether the plane was taking off or landing.