Williston Regional Airport crash near Levy County, Florida turned deadly on Monday afternoon when a vintage aircraft went down just a few miles from the runway. The pilot, identified as Justin Westbrooks, was killed in the impact, leaving a family and community in shock.
The small plane crashed shortly after 3:30 p.m. near the intersection of Northeast 30th Street and 114th Avenue. Emergency responders arrived quickly but found the aircraft heavily destroyed on impact. Two people were on board, and both were confirmed dead at the scene.
The aircraft was a North American AT-6 Texan, a World War II-era military trainer that is now often flown privately as a restored warbird. It was not a commercial passenger flight, but a personal aircraft flight in the area.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple aircraft overhead before the crash. Some described a sound of an engine struggling or “sputtering,” followed by a sudden loud impact that drew attention across the rural surroundings.
Authorities confirmed that no one on the ground was injured. The crash site was secured as investigators began their early work to understand what went wrong in the final moments of the flight.
Federal aviation officials have opened an investigation. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are now involved. No official cause has been released, and the investigation is still in its early stages.
Justin Westbrooks was described as an experienced airline pilot. He reportedly worked for Delta Air Lines after earlier flying for Atlantic Southeast Airlines. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2009 with a degree in Aeronautical Science. He leaves behind a wife, Amanda, and four children named Kensie, Barrett, Logan, and Peyton.
A GoFundMe campaign created for the family has drawn strong support, raising more than $65,000 so far toward a $250,000 goal. The funds are aimed at helping with living expenses and supporting Amanda as she continues raising and homeschooling the children.
Images that would fit this story would include the crash area near rural Levy County roads, a North American AT-6 Texan aircraft similar to the one involved, and a quiet airport runway setting in Williston. Family portrait-style imagery and community memorial visuals would also reflect the tone of the loss.
