NTSB investigating after plane crashes into Winter Haven home, killing pilot

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (FOX 13) - The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating to find out what caused a plane to crash into a home just after 12:30 Saturday afternoon, killing the instructor and injuring the student pilot as well as a 17-year-old girl who was inside the home at the time of the crash.

Neighbors -- still in disbelief -- watched as crews lifted the twin-engine plane out of the home using a crane Sunday afternoon. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

"You could just hear the prop really close," neighbor Victor Hyatt said. "Zooming like a loud zoom noise. There was a moment of silence and then this thunderous crash."

The plane nose-dived into the house right across the street from Winter Haven Regional Airport, where it had taken off moments earlier carrying student pilot, 33-year-old Timothy Sheehy, and flight instructor 64-year-old James Wagner, who was killed in the crash.

"All the kids were outside running around," Hyatt said. "And then one of the sisters came outside and she was yelling somebody help her sister."

The plane pinned a 17-year-old girl up against the wall. A bloody and scrapped up Sheehy rushed to the girl's aid, removing his shirt to help stop the bleeding. Sheehy, a former NAVY seal, also cut off power to the home to prevent an electrical fire before calling 911.

When crews arrived they were able to rescue the girl through the window. She's now recovering with minor injuries, but expected to be OK. Victor Hyatt lives next door to the family, who has been displaced and now getting aid from the Red Cross.

"I walked over and talked with them today," Hyatt said. "And asked them if there was anything I could do for them. I would sure try to, but they said no, that they were good and all smiles. I understand their daughter is doing OK."

As of right now, authorities say there's no clear indication as to what may have caused the plane to come down.