1 Dead After Small Plane Crash in Mount Dora
MOUNT DORA, FL — A small plane crashed just outside the city limits of Mount Dora on Saturday morning, leaving one person dead and raising questions about what led to the tragic accident.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the single-engine Cessna 172 went down around 9:15 a.m. in a wooded area near State Road 46. Witnesses reported hearing a sputtering engine followed by a loud explosion. Emergency responders arrived on the scene within minutes, but the pilot—later identified as 52-year-old David Laskey, a local flight instructor—was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Routine Flight Turns Deadly
Laskey, an experienced pilot with over 20 years in the air, had taken off from the Orlando Apopka Airport at 8:45 a.m. He was reportedly flying solo, conducting what was meant to be a short training exercise.
“He was one of the most cautious pilots I knew,” said Greg Simmons, a fellow instructor and longtime friend. “For this to happen to him—it’s shocking.”
Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have begun their investigation, though preliminary reports suggest the crash may have been due to mechanical failure.
A resident living near the crash site, Laura Bentley, said she was having coffee on her back porch when she heard the low hum of an aircraft struggling.
“I looked up and saw the plane wobbling,” Bentley recalled. “It was like it was trying to stay level, but something wasn’t right. Then there was this loud pop, and it started going down fast.”
The plane struck a patch of trees before impacting the ground and bursting into flames. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but the wreckage was heavily damaged.
Unanswered Questions
While mechanical failure is suspected, investigators aren’t ruling anything out. Weather conditions were clear, with no strong winds or storms in the area at the time of the crash.
Authorities have also confirmed that no distress calls were made before the crash. Air traffic control at Orlando Apopka Airport said Laskey had not reported any issues during takeoff or while in flight.
“We’ll be looking into every possible factor,” said NTSB spokesperson Michelle Warren. “Mechanical issues, human error, environmental factors—nothing is off the table right now.”
Aviation experts have pointed out that small planes like the Cessna 172 are generally reliable, but aging parts and maintenance issues can sometimes lead to sudden failures.
“Even with the best care, planes have limits,” said James Holloway, a retired commercial pilot. “Something as small as a fuel line issue or an engine misfire can turn catastrophic quickly.”
A Community in Mourning
The loss of Laskey has left the local aviation community and Mount Dora residents in shock. He was well known in the area, having trained dozens of aspiring pilots at a small flight school in Apopka.
“He loved flying,” said Simmons. “And he loved teaching others how to do it safely. It’s just heartbreaking.”
Laskey is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their two teenage sons. In a brief statement, his family expressed their grief and thanked the community for their support.
“We are devastated by this loss,” the statement read. “David was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. We ask for privacy as we navigate this painful time.”
Investigation and Aftermath
FAA and NTSB investigators will spend the coming weeks analyzing the wreckage, reviewing Laskey’s flight history, and checking maintenance records. A full report is expected in several months, though officials hope to provide preliminary findings soon.
As Mount Dora processes this tragedy, residents have already begun placing flowers and notes near the crash site. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday evening at Gilbert Park.
For now, the sky over Mount Dora feels just a little heavier.