2 pilots walk away from Hernando County plane crash: 'Could have been a tragedy'

SPRING HILL, Fla. - Two people survived a plane crash in Hernando County on Friday. 

Authorities said the plane crashed on Pine Island Drive, about a mile north of the Bayport Inn. 

According to Hernando County Fire Rescue, the single-engine plane lost power, and the pilot tried to land it on Pine Island Drive. 

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However, while bringing the plane down, rescue crews say the pilot hit a palm tree, which nearly severed the plane in half. 

Photo courtesy: Hernando County Fire Rescue

Fire rescue and hazmat crews took care of a 30-gallon fuel spill caused by the crash.  

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Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis said the two people on board the plane were both pilots, and they walked away from the wreckage. He added that they both refused medical treatment. 

Photo courtesy: Hernando County Fire Rescue

"It is certainly a happy ending to what could have been a tragedy," Nienhuis said. 

Nienhuis noted that federal authorities, either the FAA and/or the NTSB, will take the lead on this investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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