Edward Daniel Murphy : Florida Plane Crash: Final Words of Pilot to ATC Revealed I VIDEO

Florida: A pilot and co-pilot lost their lives in a devastating plane crash on a Florida highway, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The deceased individuals have been identified as Edward Daniel Murphy, a 50-year-old pilot, and co-pilot Ian Frederick Hofmann, 65. The crash also left three survivors, including crew member Sydney Ann Bosmans, 23, and passengers Aaron Baker, 35, and Audra Green, 23, both from Columbus, Ohio. The survivors were rushed to a local hospital for treatment, and their current conditions remain unknown.

Moments before the tragic incident, the pilot calmly informed an airport controller that the aircraft “was not going to make the runway” due to a complete loss of both engines. The private jet, carrying a total of five people, was en route to Naples Airport when it attempted an emergency landing on Interstate 75. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane collided with a vehicle, with its wing dragging the car before crashing into a wall. The impact caused a massive explosion, engulfing the scene in flames and black smoke.

Video Captures the Aftermath of the Horrific Plane Crash

Desperate Attempt for an Emergency Landing

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred near Naples, Florida. The ill-fated plane had taken off from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, around 1 p.m. The scheduled destination was Naples Airport, but the pilot contacted the tower requesting an emergency landing. In audio obtained by The Associated Press, the air traffic controller acknowledged the emergency and granted clearance for landing on Runway 23. However, the pilot calmly responded, “We’re clear to land, but we’re not gonna make the runway. We’ve lost both engines.” Shortly after, communication with the tower was lost, and airport workers noticed the smoke rising from the crash site a few miles away.

Robin King, spokesperson for the Naples Airport Authority, stated that fire trucks equipped with special foam were dispatched to the scene. Miraculously, three of the five individuals on board were rescued from the wreckage alive. Brianna Walker, who witnessed the crash, described how the wing of the plane collided with a car just in front of hers before crashing into the wall. She said, “It’s only seconds that separated us from the car in front of us. The wing pulverized this one car.”

Narrow Escape for Witnesses

Walker and her friend were fortunate enough to spot the plane moments before it descended onto the highway, allowing them to pull over safely. She added, “The plane was over our heads by inches. It took a hard right and skidded across the highway.”

According to the FlightAware aircraft tracker, the ill-fated plane was operated by Hop-a-Jet Worldwide Charter, which is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aircraft was scheduled to return to Fort Lauderdale later that afternoon. Hop-a-Jet issued a statement expressing their concern for the passengers, crew members, and their families. They confirmed reports of the accident involving one of their leased aircraft near Naples and promised to send a team to the crash site. The spokesperson for Ohio State University clarified that the aircraft is not affiliated with the university, and they do not have any further information about it. Federal authorities have stated that a preliminary report on the cause of the crash will be released within 30 days.

(With inputs from agency)