Local News
HCSO names Avon Park crash pilot
TBO.com
Published: October 9, 2012
AVON PARK - The pilot of a single-engine, two-seater aircraft that crash landed at Avon Park Executive Airport on Saturday morning was en route there for an annual maintenance checkup, said Nell Hays, Highlands County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.Published: October 9, 2012
Julius S.K. Lee, 57, of Lantana, walked away after a "belly landing," Hays said Monday. He was the only person onboard and no one on the ground was injured.
Hays complimented the pilot's skills in safely landing his 1965 Mooney single-prop plane.
According to the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, the plane left Lantana in Palm Beach County to fly to Avon Park. Shortly after takeoff Lee noticed the plane couldn't get up to speed and he could not retract or lower the landing gear.
As the aircraft continued to Avon Park, the pilot continued to try to fix the problem but was unsuccessful, according to the sheriff's office.
Once at Avon Park, the pilot circled the airfield to use up excess fuel before bringing it in for an emergency landing. The landing gear still wouldn't go down, but Lee was able to bring the plane to a stop and exit the aircraft unhurt.
There was no fire, said Hays.
The FAA allowed authorities to remove the airplane from the runway.