MULBERRY, FL – A pilot and his son are expected to recover after their experimental light-sport aircraft crashed on State Road 60 in Mulberry on Saturday morning following mechanical problems shortly after takeoff.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the pilot, 59, of Tallahassee, his son, 22, of Port Jervis, New York, departed South Lakeland Airport at approximately 11:20 a.m. on July 4, 2026. During takeoff, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues, prompting Moises to attempt an emergency landing on SR 60 West near Coronet Road.
Authorities said the aircraft was too low to safely reach the roadway and struck power lines before crashing onto SR 60. Both Pilot and Son were transported by Polk County Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where they were listed in stable condition. Officials said both are expected to recover from their injuries.
The aircraft was identified as an Experimental Operating Light-Sport Aircraft, serial number 4219, bearing registration N432JP.
The crash temporarily disrupted traffic on SR 60 as Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies directed westbound traffic around the scene while eastbound lanes remained open. The National Transportation Safety Board was notified of the crash, and the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the scene. The cause of the mechanical issue remains under investigation.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
