Pilot killed in crash, civilians save passenger

The new appointed CEO of Ocala Health Systems is dead after the plane he was piloting came crashing down near Ocala International Airport.

At 12:30 p.m. Ocala Fire Rescue was notified by the airport tower that a Cessna plane had went down.

The pilot, 55-year-old Allen Golson and his wife Carol, 55, were the only two on board the plane that originated from Macon, GA.

Allen was pronounced dead at the crash. Carol was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Marion County Public Information Officer Jenifer Lowe says civilians tried to help the couple out of the plane.

“One or two of them were able to successfully open the door and pull her (Carol) out of the plan, she was right there by the door,” Lowe said.

Ocala Fire Battalion Chief Brian Stoothoff says nearby citizens took part in the rescue effort.

“There was a civilian who was attempting a rescue who did suffer some smoke inhalation,” he added.

Officials said those who responded to the aircraft found damage from the fire and the grass surrounding it was also on fire.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will take over the investigation.

No word on what may have caused the crash.