Williston, United States: A fatal crash involving a vintage military training aircraft claimed two lives near Williston Regional Airport on Sunday afternoon, prompting a federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
According to local authorities and multiple reports, the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 PM on April 13, 2026, when a North American AT-6D Texan, a historic single-engine aircraft, went down a few miles from the airport in Levy County. The crash site was located near the intersection of Northeast 30th Street and 114th Avenue.
Emergency responders, including Levy County Sheriff’s deputies and fire rescue teams, arrived quickly at the scene following reports from witnesses. Officials confirmed that both individuals onboard the aircraft were killed in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released.
The aircraft involved, the AT-6 Texan, is a World War II-era trainer widely used by the U.S. military between the 1930s and 1950s. Such aircraft are typically privately owned today and maintained as part of the warbird and vintage aviation community. Preliminary information indicates that the aircraft may have been a restored example in civilian operation.
Authorities secured the area shortly after the crash and advised the public to avoid the vicinity while recovery and investigative efforts were underway. No injuries on the ground or damage to nearby structures have been reported so far.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation into the accident. Officials will examine multiple factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, pilot credentials, weather conditions at the time of the crash, and any available flight data or eyewitness accounts.
As of now, the cause of the crash remains undetermined. Investigators are expected to release further details in the coming days as evidence is analyzed.
In another incident on April 10, 2026, a small aircraft crashed in Okaloosa County, Florida, after experiencing a complete engine failure, leaving two people injured.
According to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the aircraft, identified as a two-seat Cub, went down near the Baker area shortly after takeoff from a local airstrip. The pilot reported that the engine failed completely at an altitude of about 200 feet while conducting a low flyover, causing the aircraft to descend and crash onto private property.
The pilot was able to exit the aircraft and call emergency services, while the passenger was trapped and had to be extricated by rescue teams. Both occupants were conscious when responders arrived and were transported to hospital, one by ground and the other airlifted as a precaution. Authorities are investigating the incident
